#I myself never walked in on my parents but the closed door was disturbing

[vancouvery]

That expression Shakespeare coined for having sex, the “beast with two backs”, reeks of a young child awakening from a nightmare wandering into his parents’ bedroom to only find another nightmare.

[bee-wg]

Year 4:

Beep Beep Beep Beep

“Oh my god, uncle! You’re gonna burn the house down!” Theo yelled.

“David, What happened? Is your hand bleeding?” Mom screamed

“Ahahaha, it’s nothing Chloe, don’t worry about it. I was just trying to make everyone a surprise breakfast,” Dad said.

“It’s nothing? There’s fire on the stove!” Mom said frantically.

“I got the fire extinguisher, don’t worry. Just a little mishap,” Dad said, trying to cheer them up.

“Uncle, you’re bleeding all over the fire extinguisher! We need to get him to the hospital,” Theo said.

“Hahaha, I guess I am a little clumsy,” Dad said.

Beep Beep Beep

“Someone please turn off the fire alarm, it’s stressing me out,” Mom asked

“What’s happening?” I asked, half asleep in my Pajamas.

Sometimes life surprises you, one moment, you were having a sweet dream. Then, you’re driving your bleeding father to the hospital in Pajamas. The new SUV does feel nice to drive, at least.

“I’m fine, guys. I think it must be the sugar. If I would’ve put more in it, this wouldn’t have happened,” Dad said.

“David, I love you, but don’t you EVER pull stupid stunts like that again,” Mom said, leaning on Dad’s shoulder.

Apparently, Dad wanted to surprise us with waffles for breakfast and thank Mom for all the delicious food she made. He was also hungry for a snack, so he broke Mom's one rule: Don’t mess with her kitchen.

The doctor said he could remove the cast in two months, about the time Theo and I graduate. He already got an internship in a restaurant, bringing home some fancy leftovers. 

Mom has not let off her sight from Dad since we got back. She gave him a firm warning and pinched his cheek. Now Dad gets ice cream and meals delivered to his mouth without lifting a finger.

I wish someone would do that for me. Imagine not having to leave the bed and constantly having sweets in your mouth. That would be a dream.

My thoughts disturb me sometimes. 

Since winning the competition, I have accepted that I will never be muscular again. The original plan was to savour everything I could for a year, then go on a diet. Mom and Theo have slowed down with the food so that I won’t eat until my stomach is about to burst, but they won’t refuse if I ask for something.

Now I am close to 500 pounds with my stomach always growling for more. I guess it’s just another fat ass behaviour I would have to accept.

Since losing weight is out of the question, I have figured out a way to keep my core muscle fit enough to support the enormous belly in front of me. It’s simple, I stick an 8-inch dildo from Seven’s house to my chair, and I would sit on it when I’m playing video games or watching a movie. When the itch gets too much, I can use my core muscles to lift myself up and down. This way, I get to work out and get off. It's not good for the chair, but who cares? It’s reinforced.

***

It was a regular lunchtime when Brad broke into my house again. Usually, he would greet my parents and head straight upstairs to perform witchcraft for all I care, but today, his footsteps are leading to my door.

Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit. Brad is the kind of asshole that does not knock. I still have the dildo in me!

I panicked and pulled up my pants before getting off the dildo.

He came in right as I flopped my belly down to cover the fact that my pants were not fully pulled up.

“Sup,” I said.

“Sup, Jay,” he reached out his fist for a bump.

“So, you know our last season of football in college just ended,” he said. 

Brad walked to my left to sit on my bed.

I rotate my seat to face him so he doesn’t see my ass hanging out in the back.

“Oh, fuck!” I yelped.

Fuck, the dildo twisted in the movement, now poking my prostate. 

“You okay, dude?” Brad asked.

“Of course, continue,” I said with the best smile I could muster.

“The guys are celebrating, so it’s like the last party for the team, and I was wondering if,”

“Okay, yeah, I’ll go,” I said quickly.

“Oh, that’s it? You usually don't like to go out or like- move at all,” he said, then stood up.

His sudden movement startled me, and the dildo jerked deeper.

“Are you sure you’re okay, dude?” Brad said, walking closer.

“I’m all good bruh, don’t worry,” I said.

I can feel my hole tensing, almost swallowing the dildo whole.

“I just don’t want you to be angry at me for fucking your cousin. If you want me to stop, I will,” he said.

“You what the who?” I said, baffled.

“I’m fucking,”

“Ew no, don’t tell me. I’m fine as long as you never mention doing that with my cousin ever again,” I said.

He let out a breath.

“Well, that’s something out of my chest. I’m going up now. I’ll come here and pick you up tomorrow night,” Brad said, rushing out the door.

I let out a breath too.

The locks will never be open after this traumatic experience.

My ass is still tingling, so I quickly fuck myself with the dildo to get over with it.

***

The drive to the house has been excruciatingly slow because Brad is a cautious driver. It leaves a lot of time to think without food distracting me.

I am now extremely aware of the bright yellow Pikachu face stretching across my belly. There aren't many clothes that fit me, and it’s been a while since I went out, so I didn’t bother buying new shirts. 

I haven’t seen them in a while. They’re gonna think I’m fucking lame.

“Dude, snap out of it. Everyone there misses you. I didn’t invite the assholes,” Brad said.

“…I guess.” 

“You’re doing the arm-scratching thing again, haven’t seen you doing that in a while,” Brad said.

“I’m going to put on some music, and you’re going to stop thinking, okay?” Brad added.

“Yeah, okay,” I replied.

When we opened the door, Marcus the quarterback greeted us, and half my worries melted away. 

He is about 300 pounds, which feels skinny to me now. At least I’m not the only fat one.

Now that I look into it, not everyone has defined abs. I don’t know why I expected everyone to be runway models. Even Brad is softer around the middle.

“Dude! Where have you been?” Aiden yelled.

“Oh shit, you look humongous, my guy,” Braxton said.

We quickly got back into the groove we had two summers ago.

Brad booted up a party game, and we tried our hardest to destroy each other.

We also caught up on what each of us was up to this past year, or what to do with our future. Aiden wants to marry his girlfriend, Marcus wants to join his boyfriend’s band, and Brad wants to be a freelance artist alongside his side job.

When the night came, They ordered some Chicken wings and pizzas.

“Fuck yeah, trash food! No more diet from Coach,” Aiden said, taking away half the pizza.

“By the way, I bought extra pizzas to see how much we can push ourselves,” Brad said.

I have a bad feeling about this.

“Of course, if it’s too much, we can always count on Jay,” Brad laughed.

There are six of us, with twenty large pizzas. I am screwed.

“It’s just some pizzas, no big deal. I can beat Jay easily,” Braxton, the most muscular guy in the group, said.

“Hahaha, don’t underestimate him, my dude,” Brad replied.

Except for Marcus, all of them are wimps. They started groaning and bitching after a few slices.

“Damn it, how do you make it look so easy,” Aiden asked.

“There’s a technique to it, dumb ass. I trained for this shit,” I answered.

Aiden then passed out from the food coma after six slices. 

Two more people soon followed after him.

Brad is on his way to his second pizza. His stomach has never looked this bloated before. Marcus is trying his hardest on his fourth one, but the guy is barely hanging on.

When the seventh pizza box emptied, I was stuffed beyond belief.

The guys woke up and refocused their energy on me to finish the rest.

“There’s only two left, people. Finish it,” I said, pointing at the boxes.

“We’re not on your level, Jay. You’re like, a pro at this,” Aiden said.

“Yeah, man. Only you can do it,” Brad said.

Braxton handed the pizza box over, and they started feeding me slice by slice.

“Come on Jay, you’re better than this,” Aiden said and rubbed my belly.

These people have no personal boundaries like always.

I am beyond capacity after the eighth one.

This was most likely a fucked up plan by Brad to show they don’t care I’m a fat ass. I still believed they wouldn’t like me because of my size until a few hours ago, now it seems ridiculous to reject all those party invites last year. Well, maybe I was up to something because now they’re trying to suffocate me with pizzas.

When Aiden stuffed the last of the slices in my mouth, everyone cheered.

Tonight was absurd, but I got my friends back. When some guys were not happy for a fat guy to be on the team, they stopped hanging out with me. I thought I was a lost cause.

“Dude, you better come back next time,” Aiden said.

“I’m gonna beat you next time, Jay. Watch it,” Braxton said.

“Awesome to have you back, man,” Marcus said.

It reminds me of that summer when we hung out by the river every time the fast food party room got too suffocating, when my worries were carried away by the water. 

“Thanks, Brad. For doing this,” I told him once we got in the car.

“No problem, I’m always here,” he answered.

I must have gotten too sentimental, or pizzas are clogging my brain, but I opened my Instagram and tabbed Recent in the search bar.

It seems like he made some new decorations for the coffee shop. 

I scrolled down to see the picture of the beach.

“Stop scrolling like a creep, Jay. Just call him,” he said.

“What?” I asked.

“He’s still waiting for that coffee,” Brad said.

“You still talk to Ave?” I asked.

“This is fucking depressing to watch, Jay. You guys were best friends,” he said.

“You know, I was kinda jealous of you guys back in the day. I was the skinny guy who got bullied on the side, and you were the guy on the team who still takes the time of day to befriend me. I only had you, and you also had him. It’s frustrating seeing you throw that away,” he finishes.

He doesn’t understand though. I’m a hypocrite who ignored Ave when he got fat. I don’t deserve his attention.

***

It’s been two weeks since our graduations and Dad getting his cast off. Mom has been working full-time, trying to figure out what we could do as a family to celebrate. It’s proven to be difficult when there are two 500-pound whales in said family. We can’t fit into any amusement park ride, and we’ll sink into the bottom of the ocean if we go to the beach. So, the rational thing to do is a picnic. At least that’s what I suggested. But Mom insisted a camping trip was the best family bonding option. For two whales.

It’s fine, I thought to myself. We have done this plenty of times.

After stuffing Dad in the front seat and the emergency food boxes in the back of the SUV. Mom explained the bags of medicines she bought like a flight attendant with the safety instructions. She must have been traumatized by Dad’s injury. He’s not allowed to do anything remotely dangerous, like moving his hand to eat. Hence, the army medical packs.

Mom went through the bottles of fox spray, bear spray, mosquito spray, sun spray and pepper spray, and then we finally got moving.

On our way there, we had some intermissions at the gas stations to replenish snacks. Theo whined it, but this was all his fault anyway.  If only he hadn’t grown our monstrous appetite, and forced musical soundtracks to be played in the car for hours, I might have skipped over a few snack breaks.

Recently, my weight has stabilized at about 520 pounds. Thank God my exercises on the chair worked; otherwise, I’m going to blow up on my way to the camp. 

“Guys, Brad said safe trip, and he’ll miss us,” Theo said.

“He probably only meant you,” I replied.

Theo has been giggling for an hour straight, looking at his phone.

“I’ll miss you, Bradley. The signal’s breaking off. See you soon!” Theo said.

We set up the camp in a few hours. By the time we were done, the sun had already set, giving the mountain an orange hue. 

Today we’re going up to Sunshore Lake. It’s going to be a steep walk, but I’m ready to flex my athletic prowess.

It was not a good sign that I was already sweating before arriving at the entrance.

“David, this is a bit steeper than I remembered. Do you guys want to stay down here?” Mom said.

“Nah. Jay and I will do it. This is a piece of cake compared to what we used to do. Right, son?” Despite not having to walk for more than a year, Dad remains confident.

“Hell yeah, Dad. Let’s show them what we're made of!” I said.

I give up. We’re a third of the way through, and I can feel my belly weighing me down.

“Come on -huff, son, you -huff-can do it!” Dad said, looking worse than I do.

Theo looked at us and chuckled.

“Guys, I’m so sorry! I should’ve known this was too much,” Mom said, panicking.

“It’s- it’s all good, Chloe. Remember you married the- huff- Star athlete back in college?” Dad smiled at Mom and gave her a thumbs up.

“Need a hand?” Theo asked me.

“Isn’t that too much?” I motioned to our luggage on his back.

“Oh, that’s nothing,” he swung my arm behind his shoulder and carried me.

He’s been doing that more often than not when I couldn’t get up. Probably the reason he got all those muscles under his shirt. What happened to the noodle arm ginger?

“Thanks, man. I guess I don’t have to roll back down there,” I said.

When we were halfway through, Dad told us solemnly.

“I- I don’t think I can make it.”

“Noooo, David I’m sorry! I didn’t mean for things to end this way,” Mom said with tears in her eyes.

“I love you guys. You’re the light of my life. I am honour to be a husband, a father, and a-” 

“Dad, you’re not dying. We’re almost there,” I said.

“Is it too late to call an emergency helicopter?” Mom asked.

“David, I love you, but I really don’t want to touch you right now. Can you pull through yourself, baby?” Mom said, looking at the sweat ball that was Dad.

Theo burst out laughing, and I couldn’t help but join too, even if I was in an equally dire situation.

When we got to the top, everyone was exhausted. 

We cleaned ourselves up with towels, and Mom went to check the Kayaking information. 

Dad and I were too big for it, as expected, so we went to find a good spot for fishing.

“I’m so excited. I have never kayaked before!” Theo said, looking as refreshed as ever.

Before we set up our fishing gear, they eagerly ditched us.

The Lake looked as calm as ever. It's boring with little going on.

Mom and Theo are probably in the middle of the lake now.

Staring at the stale water, I realized Dad was not perfect. He’s a little stubborn, clueless sometimes, but that’s what I like about him. I don’t know if anyone would find my quirks appealing. if Ave would.

I’m just a Lazy food addict who basically lives in his mom’s basement, so maybe not.

“Jay?” Dad said.

“What’s up, Dad?” I asked.

“You think too much, buddy.”

“You were always an overthinker since you were a toddler,” Dad said.

“I remember you told me you wanted to play football instead of hockey because hockey will give you frostbites, and freeze you into those Neanderthals from the museums,” Dad said.

“Oh Gosh,” he still remembers.

“You know what?” Dad said, then quickly took off his shirt.

“Let’s go for a swim,” He said with a smile.

“But the fishing,” I said.

“Don’t worry about the fish,” He said, walking back and charging towards the water.

The cannonball created a massive splash, making me completely wet.

“Mother of God, it’s freezing! Did you see that, Jay?” He said with a laugh.

“Yeah, that was pretty cool,” I chuckled. It’s not every day you see a chunky beast jumping into the water.

“Come on, Jay, take it off and jump!” he said.

I have not taken off my shirt in public since middle school, when I started to notice my flaws. Even in the locker room, I would find a bathroom stall to change.

“Don’t overthink it, Jay! Trust me!” Dad said.

Don’t overthink, I thought.

I took off my shirt and back off. When I pick up the pace, my entire body is wobbling.

With all the strength I have, I jumped.

Shit, this was a bad idea.

The cold water hit me.

First, nothing but white bubbles clouded me. Then, schools of fish surrounding me appeared in my vision, hurrying away from the meteor strike. I moved my legs slightly apart on the lakebed, so I don’t step on the tiny crabs while they take refuge in the kelp forest.

“Holy Fuck, it’s freezing!” I said as I pulled my head out of the water.

“Hahahaha, watch your mouth, Jay. You don’t want to summon your mother here,” Dad said.

The view down there was breathtaking; it was what I expected, but not. The fish looked different from a simple change of scenery. I wouldn't have known if I had never jumped.

“I’m proud of you, Jay. That was a huge splash. Aren’t the views here amazing?” he said.

“Thank you, Dad. I wouldn’t have done it without you,” I said.

“You did it all by yourself, kid,” he replied.

We kept exploring the lake until our stomachs growled in protest.

After setting up the fire, we roasted some fish in the bucket and made S’mores from caramel marshmallows. 

Theo and Mom joined and we talked about the stories we had at school or some embarrassing stories of me Dad has kept.

The next day, we packed up our stuff to leave. The mountain is beautiful and all, but Dad and I are starving for some real food.

On our way down, I realized that I had been the biggest enemy to myself. There are so many supportive people surrounding me when my self-doubt overshadows them.

The signal bars slowly appear one by one. I opened Avery’s profile picture.

If he rejects me, I’ll be embarrassed in front of a person I really care about.

I shouldn’t overthink.

There’s nothing more I can lose when I already lost his company.

So I texted.

“Hey, Ave. I know I’m late, but would you mind if I take you up on your offer for the coffee?”

“...” a text bubble appeared.

“I thought you'd never ask.”

[stevie-petey]

pretty girl

“Unfair. I was at least–” he breathes out sharply as you begin to suck lazily just below his jaw. “I was gentle, pretty girl. This just, fuck, this feels like torture.” “Shush and let me kiss you, Stevie.”

Summary: steve has to get his daily kiss quota in somehow, right?

Rating: general, makeout session, cursing

Warnings: fem!reader, use of y/n, slight neck kink if u arent into that, mild makeout session (so so so mild tho) - not proofread, i just kinda wrote so pls ignore typos lmao

Words: 1.1k

Before you swing in: hello ! i was in a bit of a lovey dovey mood, and while i adore writing come home, i simply couldnt bring myself to write more repressed feelings tonight. so, heres a quick lil boyfriend!steve blurb. it isnt at all correlated with come home (although if u squint ... maybe) its just me being so engrossed in my current crush and needing to be severely kissed. rip. anyways, enjoy !

-

Every night, Steve throws rocks outside your window. 

The rocks pang softly against the glass, one after another, as they bounce harmlessly on their endeavor to get your attention. 

Every night, you answer. 

“What ails you tonight, Harrington?” You’ve opened your window now, leaning your head out so that you can see the boy standing below. 

He winks at you. “The usual.”

“Hm,” you rest your elbows against the wooden panel encasing your window. “How many do you need this time?”

“Hard to say, but if I had to guess… A million, honestly.”

You laugh. “A million, huh?”

“Maybe even more.” Steve smiles up at you, admiring how the moonlight frames your pretty face, making it even softer than he ever thought possible. It takes his breath away for a second, knowing how the face staring down at him is the same face that stares up at him whenever morning comes. 

“Give me five minutes, lovely.”

Steve smiles at the nickname, letting it warm his face as well as his bones. “I’ll go warm up the car.”

You wave, blowing the boy a quick kiss, before closing your window to go over to your dresser. The top drawer has long come to contain your nighttime adventure outfits with Steve. A simple pair of sweatpants and his hoodie that you stole years ago but never gave back. 

He knows you have it still, but you know he secretly loves seeing you wear it. 

As soon as you’re ready, slippers and all, you quietly run down your stairs so you don’t disturb your parents and unlock the front door. The lock clicks harshly against the night’s quietness, but with one smooth turn you manage to undo the lock and open the door. 

Steve, true to his word, is waiting in his car with the heat blasting, just the way you like it. 

It’s winter, early January, and school hasn’t quite started back up yet. 

The second you approach the car, Steve gets out and walks to the passenger side so that he can open it before you even touch its handle. You scoff at the overdramatic mannerisms, but blush nonetheless. 

“I can open my own door, Steve.”

He shrugs. “Sure, but you’re beautiful and I love you.”

The words fall freely from his lips, and you intertwine your hand behind his neck and pull his lips flushed against yours. He hums into it, pulls you so that your chests are engulfed together and your legs stumble and enclose around his. It’s messy, your other hand clutches at Steve’s jacket and he relishes in the way your knuckles tighten around him. 

“One down, a million more to go.” Steve whispers against your lips. 

You laugh, throwing your head back and he watches the sight of it all. How your neck lengthens as you laugh, the way your hair cascades behind you and the way your eyes crinkle shut. You put on a whole show for him, and he can’t get enough of it. 

“You really think we can get through a million kisses tonight?” You ask, nudging your nose against the length of Steve’s jaw. 

He shivers. “Got a few ways I think we can manage that.”

You pull away now, though you keep your hand at the nape of his neck. “At least take a girl on a date first.”

“I’m trying, pretty girl.” He gestures toward the car, its engine humming softly. You roll your eyes, but when Steve finally opens the passenger door, you reluctantly let go of him and sit down. “Atta girl, Y/N.”

Before you can huff at him for the nickname, Steve gently closes the door and heads over to his own driver’s side. He opens the door, the warm air escaping a bit, and as soon as Steve is in the car he tugs at your hoodie (his hoodie) and once again you’re kissing. 

It’s longer this time, languid and lingering. He brings a hand up to your cheek and his thumb strokes the high point in a fluid back and forth motion. You lean deeper into him, your own hands coming up to his chest as if you could bring him any closer to you. 

Steve nips at your bottom lip and you let him in, you always let him in. 

You gasp as he sucks on the lip and you feel him smile at your reaction. With one hand still caressing your cheek, his other hand comes up to the base of your neck. It’s warm, he’s always so warm, and his calloused fingers find their usual place, splayed across both sides of your neck. His palm settles just above your collarbones and your breath hitches. 

“Steve…” You exhale his name, as if it were a prayer. 

He pulls away a little, his eyes a molten honey color in the moonlight. “Yes, pretty girl?”

You turn your head and press a kiss against the hand still on your cheek. “Three down, 999,999,997 to go.”

“Make that four,” Steve presses a kiss to your nose, then your cheek, then to the tips of your eyelashes. “Now eight.”

You giggle as he presses another kiss to your temple and then your ear. He’s everywhere, now, peppering kisses on every inch of skin he can find. “And here, and here, and here…”

Steve goes down to your neck now, his nose trailing down the bare skin, making you shiver, and his kisses are so soft. Despite his teasing and the hold he still has on your neck, his lips leave a trail so soft and sanguine against your skin that they burn like whiskey. 

He reaches for your hand now, bringing the length of your arm up to his face, and just before he presses even more kisses against you, you laugh and pull your arm back. Steve starts to whine, unhappy with his kisses being interrupted, but you comb your fingers through his hair. 

“Seems unfair to make you do all the work, lovely.”

Steve’s lips are red and swollen from earlier, they almost distract you from his response. “Shush and let me kiss you.”

He tries to duck his head back down to your neck for more, but you stop him. “Nuh-uh. My turn.”

Before Steve can argue some more, you tug at his jacket, and because you’ve caught him off guard, he falls so far forward that his neck is open for the taking. You press your own kisses against it, connecting the moles that litter his skin with a kiss, and Steve exhales shakily as you do so. 

“Unfair. I was at least–” he breathes out sharply as you begin to suck lazily just below his jaw. “I was gentle, pretty girl. This just, fuck, this feels like torture.”

“Shush and let me kiss you, Stevie.”

Steve’s hand tightens around your neck as the other flies up to your head, pressing you further into his neck as you suck on a spot that he particularly likes. “Yeah… Fuck, okay. Shutting up now.”

-

⌑ writing masterlist

[gremlinmodetweeker]

Unexpected Appearances of Softness

Just a silly little drabble about Summoned!König bringing you some things back from home. He's nice, I swear. He's just also a bit out of touch.

Tws: Mentions of your mother having a heart condition

Story below the cut.

Unexpected Appearances of Softness

The dark hallways were pockmarked by shafts of light from the potlights in the ceiling, casting godrays that showered down onto the empty floors. Walking through, doors lined the halls, standing bravely at attention like the summoners that slept behind them. At the farthest end of the hallway, your door sat waiting for you. Open.

As soon as you saw the open door you felt your stomach drop. You wanted to run, but at this hour you risked waking up some irate summoners. Instead, you trained your eyes on the grey linoleum floors as you skirted down towards your open hell. With each footstep, you could feel your bpm rising steadily, your heart drumming in your ears like a marching band as you walked.

When you got to your doorway, you took a moment to settle yourself. Just from the doorway, nothing looked off. Taking a breath, you stepped through the door.

Your room was perfectly intact. Nothing seemed off in the slightest. You checked your washroom, and all your belongings were in place and untouched. Your room was similarly pristine, almost to clinical state. It was bizarre. Did you forget to close your door? No, you locked it when you left. So why was it so clean? In fact, now that you got a better look under the moonlight, it looked cleaner than before. Clothing you’d thrown into drawers had been neatly folded and set inside the cabinet with care. Your shoes were neatly lined up by the front door with military precision you’d never been able to drill into your head. It was eerily perfect in a way that seemed almost unnatural.

You looked around the room again and nearly spat out your drink when you saw your bed. It was perfect. What was disturbing though was the fact that the stuffies you left at home were now sitting at the top of the bed.

You picked up one such stuffy and examined it carefully. Who the hell would bring up these old relics? Who even had the ability to go all the way back home and come back to base, simply for the sole purpose of getting your childhood mementos back to you?

The lights flickered.

Ah.

“König,” you called out to the room behind you, “why did you get my stuffies from back home?”

A heavy scaled hand planted itself firmly on your shoulder as the thin cloth of the being’s dark hood drifted over you.

“Are these not to your standards, Summoner?” König’s pitchy yet guttural voice thrummed through his chest into your back.

You held up the stuffy by its arms.

“Did you see my parents?” you asked, ever so slightly hopeful.

“Your mother is well,” König patted your head, “your father screamed when he saw me.”

You snorted as you put the stuffy down, “You actually let them see you?”

“Their summons demanded that I make myself known,” König explained with a hint of bitterness to his tone, “and, seeing as I am a benevolent being, I simply followed their orders. Apparently, they thought I’d wait until your father had finished his shower.”

You knew you’d be getting a phone call soon for that. You could already hear your father ranting about how you needed to keep your summon under control, already knowing full well that controlling an avatar of chaos was a laughable thought. You wondered what he thought of your summon, considering how renowned your father's name was among the old brass he used to run with.

“Your mother passed out when she saw me,” König continued, “but she came to fairly quickly. Then fainted again. The second time she came back I ensured that she was in a comfortable chair and well cared for, I assure you.”

“You know my mother has a heart condition, right?” you sighed as you put your beloved plush bear back onto the bed.

“Of course I know,” König scoffed, “anyways, we were able to settle our difference once she was able to stay conscious,” König prattled on as he examined his iridescent claws, “she seemed uncomfortable knowing that you’re mated to me for eternity, but she did say that it was better than having your bones torn from your body and keeping your flesh alive.”

You turned to look up at your summon with a blank look. At this point, you were about to develop a heart condition too.

“Please don’t tell me you said that to my mother,” you glared up at your summon with as much ferocity as a wet kitten could muster.

König stared into the distance before he slowly met your eyes.

“I apologize, Summoner.”

You looked at him, then back at the stuffies.

“Why?” you sighed.

“Not all is wrong, Summoner. After she finished her insufferable wailing, she thanked me for not harming you. I’m surprised a human understood her place so well,” König took a half step back, “I will add for your peace of mind, she suggested I bring your stuffed animals to you.”

You paused, then nodded slowly.

“So what were you doing at my place if you weren’t getting my stuffies?” you asked.

“You left your entertainment device underneath your bedding when you last visited.”

You scrunched your face for a moment before understanding opened your features.

“You got my gameboy back?” you asked hopefully.

König simply took the ‘entertainment device’ from a pocket in his robe and passed it to you. You tried to turn it on, but it was out of charge. You supposed beggars can’t be choosers.

“So, my mom told you to bring me my stuffies?” you asked as you set the gameboy on your night table.

“She also asked me to bring you some ‘cookies’,” König held out a bag of smooshed crumbs and molten chocolate, “I forgot how delicate human treats are.”

You took the bag into your own hands and took a close look. If nothing else, you could probably mix this up with some icecream or something. They at the very least seemed to still be edible (a far cry better than the pizza you’d asked König to pick up for you last week, only to be presented a cardboard box full of ashes and embers. König had tried to bring another back, but that had gone even worse). If nothing else, König was learning how to transport baked goods a bit better.

“So, was that everything? You brought my gameboy, some of my stuffies and some cookies from my mom?” you looked up at König.

König sniffed indignantly, “Your superiors did not seem to believe a controlled black hole in your dormitory was an appropriate idol to chaos.”

For once in your life, you thanked the heavens above for the dorm standards.

König furrowed his brows, evidently displeased by the look on your face. You looked back at your gameboy and sat on your bed. You noticed the mattress was a fair bit more comfortable, another sign of König’s intervention. You picked up your stuffed bear again with a smile.

“Thanks König.”

The avatar faltered momentarily before regaining his stoic composure.

“Your comfort is paramount, Summoner,” he replied tersely.

You noticed that he seemed to be unable to meet your eyes, instead focussed on the posters plastered on your walls. You would’ve laughed, but you figured his ego wouldn’t be able to handle a weak summoner such as yourself laughing at him. At least, not out loud.

Your figured he knew, anyways.

AU Masterlist

[byechristopher]

WE'RE ALONE.

– Chris Sturniolo angst/fluff.

depressed-stoner!chris x f!reader

Author's note: there's a playlist I have on spotify (literally my childhood) that 100% inspired me to write this – hits too close to home, pft. So here, Chris smoking w33d. Do not copy/steal my work. :) didn't proof read.

Warnings: w33d obviously, mentions of alcohol and depression. Sad, messy love. Also, super long – don't know what else, tbh. This is JUST a fan-fiction.

Playlist:

Time was passing by and the voices from inside the living room wouldn't stop – I can hear them getting louder and louder. I bring my knees close to my chest, hugging myself and I turn the volume of my speakers up.

It's always like this; they get loud and then they pretend this never happened, like I never heard what they said to each other. Or how they talked about this family, this house. It was exhausting for me, to say the least.

A few hours later, with the loud music still filling the dark room, I decided it was maybe time to sleep. This would all end faster that way. But when I was about to do that, I saw.. something out the window? I know I did. There it is again... hold on – a shoe? I get up, a little scared, and look outside. I knew it. I open the window.

"Chris, what the fuck.." I yelled and I saw Chris picking up his shoe, jumping around for a few seconds before wearing it again.

Oh, Chris. We've been close friends for so long. As long as I can remember – my childhood is filled with memories of him. I've always been so thankful. He has always been the safe place that I desperately needed but never really knew I wanted. He would always be there whenever I needed him and if course, I did the same thing for him. He was worth it anyways.

"Come on!" he yells, not caring if my parents heard him.

"Really, Chris? Your shoe?" I place my elbows on the windowsill, laughing a little bit.

"I couldn't find any rocks. Now shut up, and jump!" he grins and I roll my eyes.

I turn the volume down, not all the way down, enough to not let my parents hear what is going on in here, but also without disturbing their sleep. I quickly wear a big, black hoodie, I put on my lace up boots and after grabbing my phone, wallet and cigarettes, I walk towards the windowsill – I've been sneaking out my room ever since I was little, I cannot believe I'm still doing it in my twenties. But who cares.

I place my foot on the windowsill, grabbing a branch of the tree that is right outside my room (thank God), and I climb up that tree till it's safe enough for me to jump – Chris catches me and we fall down, like every other time. We laugh.

"Hi." he says, it's simple, but it makes me smile.

"Hi. I didn't know you were here – I thought you were coming back next Tuesday." I say and I keep walking next to him; we know exactly where we're going.

"I was supposed to, yeah. But I didn't like it there, so I left. Plus, you are here." he has a little smile on his face and only now do I notice the paper bag in his hand, "beers." he says before I get to say anything. I nod, smiling.

We keep on walking and about ten minutes later, we finally reach our destination. There is an old, abandoned school that we found out about a few years ago. I still remember that day – I was so scared, especially when I saw these old stairs that were leading up to a big, rusty door. When Chris opened the door, though, we found out that there was a flat roof behind that door, old school chairs then and there. I smoked my first cigarette here. Also, my first blunt. Hah.

The chairs are still placed right in front of the parapet wall that's built along the edge of the flat roof. So we sit down – Chris is already rolling a blunt and I open two cans of beer, handing him his.

"Now. Tell me, what's wrong?" I break the silence abruptly. He doesn't look at me.

He doesn't need to tell me anything, I always know when he's not feeling well. And I know he wants to see me too, but that's not the exact reason he is here.

"Fought with my brothers." he murmurs and licks the wrap to seal the blunt while looking at me.

"Yeah, no shit. Why?" I watch him as I take a sip of my beer.

"Just bullshit. It doesn't matter. They know I'm here with you anyway." he mutters. His hair is a little messy and his hoodie is also too big for him, as usual, "what's wrong with you anyway?"

"The usual." I sigh and place my feet on the parapet wall, the can of beer in between my thighs, making my bare legs cold and making goosebumps rise on it – not the wisest choice to keep these shorts on.

We talk and talk and talk, for hours. We're both high, drinking beer and a mini bottle of vodka that was hidden in his big hoodie, we both had our legs hanging from that low wall and laughing like idiots.

He grabs the back of my head and brings me closer to him, his breath fanning over my lips, "missed this." he whispers and places his lips on mine. I groan in his mouth and start moving my lips against his, my tongue licking his bottom lip. He lets my tongue enter his mouth and I get up quickly to straddle his thighs, sitting on his lap so that I can be more comfortable, without breaking the kiss, of course.

His hands sneak under my hoodie and his cold fingers travel up my back, my hands are buried in his hair, tugging at it gently. The kiss is slow but hungry and I find myself getting lost in it. Then, it hits me. I part our lips and I place my forehead against his, my hands are placed against his chest, "I can't." I murmur.

I can still remember the last time this happened. And the previous time. And the time before that. Blah blah blah. But last time I said it was the last time, because I cried myself to sleep that night. Whenever we get high and we drink, we sometimes make out. Just sometimes. He's always the first one to make the move because I'm too scared. I told myself it wasn't that deep the first time it happened, but I was secretly craving the next time it would. When we didn't make out, I would go home disappointed. Crying, sometimes. I didn't know if I was subconsciously falling in love (or already in love) with Chris or just really deprived of affection, but I was more and more hurt each time it happened.

"What is it?" he whispers and grabs the nape of my neck with both hands, pulling me close to place a soft kiss on my forehead.

"Why.. do we do this, Chris?" I whisper, I'm sacred to even ask the question, but I have to. For my sanity.

"I thought you wanted it." he stiffens a bit, pulling away a little bit.

"I do. And so do you. But why do we want it?" I search for his eyes but he averts his gaze from me every time I try to.

"What kind of question is that.. we're high and we make out. It's not a big deal." he says and I know I will cry myself to sleep again tonight.

"It might not be. For you." I sigh and he tries to sit up, indirectly telling me to get off of him but I don't. He's uncomfortable. So am I. But we have to do this.

"You're fucking high and you're drunk. You don't know what you're saying." he shakes his head and looks away. He knows I know exactly what I'm saying and that's what pains me the most.

"I might be in love with you." I say and the silence gets louder than my goddamn parents earlier.

"I love you too, what does that have to do with anything.." he says, completely dodging what I just said to him.

"Chris. I'm fucking serious. I think I'm in love with you." I whisper and I cup his cheeks.

"Don't do this to me. I can't deal with this." he whispers back, closing his eyes for a moment.

"Do you love me like this, too?" I ask the question I dread the most.

"We can't do this. This just won't work. We're a fucking mess. How will we ever be good for each other? Can't you see it?" he says and my eyes fill with tears; I don't know what to say, because deep down I agree with him, "don't do this to me." he continues and I know he's talking about the tears in my eyes.

He wraps his arms around my waist and pulls me as close as possible, kissing my cheeks to catch the tears that escape my eyes, "I just.. you know I can't. Can't do this again."

"Chris.. seriously? We were kids!" I open my eyes just to look at him.

I know I hurt him when we were younger. But that was years ago, he can't keep blaming me for it.

"Yes, fucking seriously. I carried that around for a long time. You knew I was in love with you. You were the only one I wanted to be with." he glares at me and I sigh.

"I've apologised a million times, Chris."

He wasn't wrong. I remember how hurt he was back then – I knew he was in love with me when we were young and took advantage of the affection he was giving me, even though I didn't want him. I didn't feel the same way he did. Or at least, I didn't know I did. So I cut him off out of the blue and told him I would never want him this way. To make sure he knew I never would, I kissed his best friend. I don't know why – I think I wanted to prove that I really didn't like him. Now that I think about it, I wanted to prove myself more than him.

"You apologised and I forgave you. But you can't come here and tell me you think you are in love with me. What does "think" mean?"

"I don't know, Chris! It's.. overwhelming." I groan and I get off his lap, walking towards the door. I don't want to leave. But I don't know what to do, "you hurt me too, Chris. Ever since we kissed for the first time, I haven't been able to do it with anyone else. Hell, every time I tried to even talk to another guy, I could only think of you." I yell.

"Well. We can't be together. That's all I know." he clears his throat and grabs a cigarette.

"That's all you have to say?" I turn around to look at him as he smokes.

Silence.

"That's all I have to say." he mumbles. He gets up. He leaves. I stand there. I grab my stuff and I leave, too. That's what I get for wanting to be with an emotionally unavailable guy, who I know will probably hurt, as much as I will probably hurt him. We're both messed up. Broken childhood with broken hearts.

I walk towards my house crying but I don't want to go home. It's almost 5 in the morning, it's cold and it's dark. I should be in his fucking arms now, not walking around with nowhere to go.

At 05:20, my phone rings. Chris. He is crying and my heart shatters.

"I am afraid I will hurt you more than you already are." he says and I cry, "I'm afraid that one day, my problems will make me unavailable for you and I can't imagine not being able to be there for you. Ever." he sniffles.

"I'm scared too, Chris.. but.. I want to be selfish this time. I want to be with you. I don't wanna think about my parents, I don't wanna think about your friends, I don't wanna think about anyone other than you. I know I am in love with you." I sit down on the pavement and I try to make him hear me as much as I can through the tears.

"Fucking hell. I am in love with you. Where are you? I'm coming."

I tell him and in less than two minutes I see him running towards me. I can see his red eyes and his wet cheeks. He sees me and immediately gets on his knees to be on my level, cups my tear-stained cheeks and kisses me with so much love that I can feel my heart beating normally again.

"You came quickly."

"I always come for you. I go wherever you go." he whispers in between kisses and we fall backwards – I'm on my back and he's kissing me again and again.

"Then never leave me."

"Never."

[luvangelbreak]

Deprived | Seventeen

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11 Part 12 Part 13 Part 14 Part 15 Part 16 Part 18 Part 19 Part 20 Part 21 Part 22 Part 23 matthew sturniolo x layla venita (female!oc) summary: everyone knows the story of the bad boy and the good girl but what happens when the school's most popular boy, Matthew Sturniolo, and the girl who notoriously is never there, Layla Venita, cross paths. warnings: smut (sorry I'm addicted now), oral (fem!receiving), slight overstimulation, mentions of abuse (domestic), swearing, mentions of drugs (weed) word count: 3.1k a/n: this one is an emotional rollercoaster yall i apologise

pov: layla

“Go straight to my room. I’ll be there in a sec,” Matt whispered as he opened the front door. With a curt nod and wobbly feet, I bolted upstairs to his room and closed the door behind me.

I heard murmurs of voice downstairs and I sighed, pulling away from the door as I kicked my shoes off. The pulse between my legs hadn’t subsided and groaned, flopping back onto Matt’s bed.

My pants felt uncomfortable around my legs, the warmth of their heater making me start to sweat with the hoodie and jeans on. I decided I would take my pants off and hide under the covers till Matt was able to give me some shorts to wear.

I slid under the silky covers, mind racing with only thoughts of him as I moved my legs around, the material feeling smooth on my bare skin. The door swung open making me jump before I realised it was Matt and he closed the door behind him, locking it before turning to look at me.

“The second time you’ve been at my house and you act like you own the place already,” he teased with a smile and I shrugged, eyes heavy as I looked at him. The last of the sun was shining through his bedroom window, allowing enough light for me to see him perfectly.

“Not my fault you have a comfy bed,” I retorted as he shook his head, throwing his keys on his desk before walking over to me.

“My parents will kill me if they find out you’re high,” his tone shifted to slightly more concerned and I let my face drop, feeling bad that I was putting him through this.

“I’m sorry. I can go home,” I sat up, guilt flooding my body as his face softened before he shook his head.

“I told them you didn’t feel good and your dad wasn’t home so they won’t disturb us. Just don’t go downstairs till they fall asleep,” he answered before leaning forward, tucking a piece of hair behind my ear as my worried gaze softened again.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered apologetically as my eyes fell to his lips before scanning his face.

“I’m glad you called me,” he smiled, leaning forward and placing a kiss on my forehead. I smiled up at him before his eyes landed on my lap and I hadn’t realised the covers had slid forward from his movements, “Why aren’t you wearing pants?”

“My jeans were uncomfortable,” I whined, throwing my head back into the pillows and he smirked down at me.

“Do u want pants?” he asked and I shook my head, my eyes meeting his lips again.

“We’re just staying in here right?” I asked, sitting back up again as he hummed in response and I smiled at him, “Then there’s no need for pants.”

“Are you just trying to entice me right now?” he asked, a glimmer of teasing in his eyes and I gasped dramatically, throwing a hand to my chest.

“How dare you accuse me of such a thing?” I let my jaw drop and he smiled at me as he shook his head. I leaned forward, placing a kiss on his lips before mumbling, “But yes I am. Are you done being a morally right man?”

“You’re making it very hard to be one,” he whispered against my lips and I smiled, sliding the covers off of myself fully before I moved to straddle his waist, sliding my arms around his shoulders as the heat spread across my body. I trailed my lips from his, down his jawline to the spot on his neck that I sucked and bit in the car.

“Come on,” I enticed him further as I let one of my hands tangle in his hair, the other travelling down his clothes torso as his breathing quickened, “Have some fun, pretty boy.”

“Layls," he breathed hesitantly and I pursed my lips, pulling back to look at his face, "I'm not gonna fuck you right now."

"You don't have to," I leaned forward pressing a kiss to his lips, "There are lots of other options though."

"Fuck it," he mumbled, lifting me off of his lap and throwing me onto the bed with a thump as I let out a huff from the impact. He slid his hoodie over his head, discarding it on the floor aimlessly and I didn't even have a moment to register his torso before he grabbed my thighs, pulling me to the edge of the bed as he stood between them. He leaned down, placing a feverish kiss against my lips before he travelled down my neck and I sighed in content.

"Matt," I breathed out and he paused his movements, placing a hand over my mouth as he hooked his other hand under the waistband of my underwear.

"Can you stay quiet, pretty girl?" he whispered, a smirk plastered on his face and his sudden confidence had my thighs squeezing around his legs. I nodded, pursing my lips under his hand as I shifted my hips impatiently. He lifted his hand off of my mouth, still trailing his soft fingertips on the waistband of my underwear.

"Please," I whispered, grabbing his wrist that was near my underwear as he chuckled at me, dipping his head into my neck and biting across it making me let out a heavy sigh.

"So cute," he mumbled against my skin before dipping his hand under the waistband, a finger running against my core making me clench my jaw to stay quiet, "You make a sound and I stop."

"Fuck," I whispered, his dominance turning me on more than I expected. My mind was swirled as I trained my eyes on the ceiling, trying to focus on not making sounds as his fingers trailed circled around my clit bringing me pure ecstasy. As he continued his assault on my neck, he dipped a single finger into my pussy causing me to grip his wrist tightly to help myself not cry out in pleasure.

"You're doing so good, baby," he breathed against my neck heavily and I sighed, the praise making me want to moan loudly even more, "I know, pretty girl, I know."

"Matt," I whispered through gritted teeth and he hummed against my neck as he added another finger inside me as I gasped. My high was making it feel even more heavenly as his finger slid in and out of me at the perfect pace, his palm nudging my clit in the process as I gripped his wrist tightly, "Please."

"What do you want, baby?" he asked quietly against my skin before pulling up, looking at me with dilated pupils.

"I want your mouth. Please," I begged, rutting against his hand even more and he smirked down at me. Without another word, he pulled his fingers out of me making me whine from the loss of contact. It felt like he was moving at the speed of light and my brain couldn't keep up as he pulled my underwear off my legs. He grabbed my ankles as he knelt down on the floor, placing my thighs on his shoulders and he kissed along the sensitive skin.

He ran his tongue along my now dripping-wet slit and I let out a whine at the sensation, my senses being heightened to an extent I hadn't felt before because of the strain of weed. I felt the sting of a hand on my thigh before I looked down at him and he had hard eyes, scolding me for making a sound. I pursed my lips, my eyes half apologetic and half begging him to continue.

He continued holding my gaze as he wrapped his lips around the sensitive nub as I let out a heavy breath, my hand flying to his hair as my back arched at the sensation. As he swirled his tongue around me, the feeling of the knot in my stomach quickly rose as I panted into the air, convincing myself not to make a sound internally. He hummed against me as I let out a whimper, another slap to my thigh making me look down at him again and he kept his eyes trained on mine.

I admired everything about him, focusing my mind on anything but the feeling he was giving me with only his mouth as to not make a sound. I gripped his hair tightly, threading my fingers through the curls as I kept my eyes on his with my mouth hung open as pants left my mouth. I watched as his jaw clenched from his focus on giving me pleasure and his lips pressed around my soft skin, his blue eyes illuminated by the slither of sunlight peering through the bedroom window. His arms gripped my twitching thighs tightly as his fingers dug into my flesh and I sighed, feeling my climax approaching easily.

“I’m gonna-” I breathed out quickly before my back arched impossibly further off of the bed and I tugged on his hair, my high hitting me quicker than I anticipated. My legs shook on either side of his head, my heels digging into his back as he worked his mouth around me through my climax. I threw a hand over my mouth, whining into my palm from the overstimulation as he continued lapping up my wetness, “Matt!”

I squeaked out, pushing his head away as he pressed further into me as I gasped. He dragged out my orgasm as long as he could, gripping onto my thighs tightly as I squirmed in his grip, attempting to push his head away slightly but I didn’t put enough force because it felt too good to stop. When I finally decided I couldn’t take anymore, he noticed my change in body language and pulled away from me, pressing a gentle kiss to the inside of my thigh as his hands unravelled from around my thighs and trailed up to my waist, giving my hips a gentle squeeze.

He caught his breath, looking up at me with heavy eyes as my wetness dripped from his mouth. He licked his lips before wiping his face with the back of his hand before I flopped my head back down on the bed. He slid my legs off of his shoulders, crawling over me and placing his hands on either side of my head.

“You okay, pretty girl?” he whispered as I peered up at him with heavy eyes and a dopey smile. I nodded lazily as he smiled down at me, “I wasn’t too harsh?”

“Nope,” I said popping the P as I sighed, wrapping my heavy legs around him as I pulled him down onto me, “Do you want me to-”

“It’s okay,” he whispered, pushing my hair out of my face before tucking it behind my ear as I wrapped my arms around his neck, “I just wanted it to be about you.”

“Are you sure?” I tilted my head, a small frown on my face as he continued smiling at me and nodding.

“Positive, baby,” he leaned forward, placing a gentle kiss on my lips as I melted into his touch again. I instinctively rutted my hips into his before he trailed his hand down, pushing my waist against the bed, “Slow down there cowgirl.”

“Habit,” I shrugged with a cheeky smile and he shook his head. He pulled away from me and my face fell at the loss of contact before he picked up my underwear from the floor, gently sliding them onto my legs before I lifted my hips up to help him.

“You need anything?” he asked, leaning his hands on my bare thighs as I leaned back on my elbows.

“You,” I answered quickly and he chuckled before nodding. He climbed over to the side of the bed where it was pressed against the wall and I crawled under the covers beside him, laying my head on his chest as the fuzzy feeling in my brain subsided. The affects of my orgasm wore off as well as the weed as I listened to his steady heartbeat, his hand laying on my back as he traced circles on my skin that was exposed from the hoodie riding up.

“Can I ask you something?” Matt’s raspy voice broke the silence and I looked up at him, nodding gently before he sighed, his face serious as he looked down at me, “What uh- what really happened with your mom? I only know from rumours and I don’t know what to believe at that fuckin school.”

My breath caught in my throat at the mention of my mother and I avoided his gaze, looking down at his lips instead, “What have you heard?”

“A lot of different things. That she passed, she ran away, she got kidnapped,” he explained quietly, his voice full of hesitation as I sighed, laying my head back down on his head before he continued, “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to overstep. I was just curious but if you don’t wanna talk about it I understand.”

He rambled on and I could feel the sympathy radiating off of him as I pursed my lips. I let my arm wrap around his torso as I stayed silent for a moment, pulling him closer to me.

“I was nine,” I whispered and I heard his breathing falter for a moment, before attempting to relax again, “I was talking to my sister on emails with my moms help when my dad came into the room. He started yelling and throwing shit everywhere, tell us we were stupid to talk to someone who doesn’t care about us.”

“Oh,” he whispered almost inaudibly and I inhaled sharply, remembering the day clearly as if it were yesterday.

“He hit me for the first time ever that night. He would always hit my mom but she said if he ever tried to hurt me she would call the police. That wasn’t true though because he beat her so badly that night that she didn’t leave the house for a week. I was so terrified of him from then on,” I explained weakly, not daring to look up at him as I spoke, pressing my cheek to his chest for comfort as he continued running his fingers along my back in silence, “I woke up a week later to a note on my bedside table from her. She said that she was leaving but she would be back for me when she knew it was safe enough for her. But she never came back.”

I chewed my bottom lip, my throat beginning to close as Matt sighed, holding me tighter against him as he whispered, “I’m so sorry, Layls.”

“I get it. I didn’t at the time, I hated her for leaving me behind but I know if she took me with her he would’ve found her and tried to get her locked up for kidnapping. Probably would’ve killed her if he was that angry,” I shrugged, tears springing to my eyes, “I just wish that she did come back, ya know? I spent the next 3 years looking out the front window every day just waiting for her to come help me but she just never did.”

I took a breath, a few tears slipping out of my eyes which I quickly wiped with the sleeve of my hoodie, embarrassed that I was crying in front of him, “I always understood why my sister left and never came back. By the time she would’ve been able to help me I was already old enough. But I just wanted my mom sometimes.”

My face was now set in a deep frown and I felt Matt’s lips press against the top of my head, his arm squeezing me against him as he mumbled, “I’m sorry, baby. I had no idea.”

“I just miss her,” I let more tears fall from my eyes, pulling him impossibly closer as the wetness traveled down my cheeks, landing on the skin of his chest as I didn’t dare look up at him.

“I know, baby. I know,” he mumbled against my hair comfortingly as he ran his hand up and down my back to soothe me, “It’s okay.”

“I’m sorry,” I mumbled, quickly wiping my tears away as I sniffled, attempting to steady my breathing.

“Hey,” he said softly as his hand landed under my chin, pulling my face toward his. I looked up at him with teary eyes and I bit my lip to swallow the sadness, “Don’t you dare apologise. I’m here for you, pretty girl. Always.”

“I just hate crying in front of people. It makes me feel weak,” I whispered as a few more tears rolled down my face and he swiped his thumb across my cheeks to rid of them making me close my eyes from his gentle touch.

“You aren’t weak for having emotions. I don’t want you to ever feel like you can’t express whatever you’re feeling around me,” he whispered, placing a delicate kiss on my forehead as I sighed, taking in a shaky breath before I opened my eyes again to look up at him.

“One minute I’m begging you to fuck me. Next thing you know I’m crying about my mother,” I snickered at the ridiculousness of the situation as his face broke out in a gentle smile, tucking my hair behind my ear.

“You keep me on my toes,” he chuckled, his chest vibrating under my chin as I smiled up at him.

“Thank you,” I whispered, reaching up to cradle his jaw with my hand as I ran my nails along the scruff of his cheeks.

“For what?” he asked quietly, a smile still resting on his lips as he wrapped both of his arms around my back.

“You’re the first person who’s ever made me feel safe,” I admitted, my voice shaking at the vulnerability I wasn’t adjusted to yet.

“Selfishly,” he began saying as his hand trailed under my hoodie and pressed against the warm skin of my back again, “I’m glad I can be the one to make you feel that way.”

“Selfishly,” I whispered as I leaned forward, my nose brushing against his, “I’m glad too.”

I leaned forward, a gentle kiss being held between us in a moment of pure intimacy, no external factors interrupting the moment of peace. I pulled away from the softness of his lips, a smile breaking through my lips as I gazed up at him.

This boy will be the death of me.

tags:

@ilovechrissturniolo1 @leprechaunbirthdaygirl @sturnfix @lilsstvrn @sturniololol @dsturniolo @sturniolowhore @jebbie-project-blog @jaxyy219 @chrisstankyleg @lov3bug @pinklittleflower @thatcrazybitch-69 @trinity2058 @alorsxsturn

[lynnbanks]

Jet lag and brunch

(Would like to add this before you read that y/n (ivy) has Pernicious anemia and you will probably more about it in later stories. I would also like to add I'm not completely sure what this is just wanted to get it out there if there are any mistakes let me know hope you enjoy)

Our first morning/afternoon back at the lake house and if we don't hurry we will be late to brunch with luke parents and jack

Luke is still pretty jet-lagged so he is struggling to get up. “ lukey it is time to get up,” I say while rubbing his bare back long forgotten where his shirt and pants were the second we got to our room at the lake house before crashing onto the bed taking me with him.

“Lay with me for a second please.” we don't have time but I indulge already having myself ready knowing he would likely brush his teeth put on anything he can find at the top of his unpacked suitcase with a hat and be out the door.

“ ok sleepy butt we have 20 minutes to be out the door so in five minutes you need to be up and getting ready” he dismissed me by pulling me into bed with him and onto his chest mumbling “You smell good baby” voice still deep and gravely from sleeping 10 hours straight “ hmm thank you” while I run my fingers through his unruly curls “you ready to eat” I ask in a whisper as to not disturb the calm air around us seeing as we haven’t had a lot of alone time in awhile with all the crazy schedules “mmh yes very ready” “ok then let’s get this show on the road.”

Jack meets us downstairs and we all loaded up into the car, Quinn won’t be in till next week and we will probably do a fancy dinner to celebrate all of us being together and all the boys have accomplished this year.

When we get to the restaurant we meet up with Jim and Ellen in the parking lot, before we go in give a hug to both me and Luke after not seeing us for a while, we walk in and the conversation starts flowing.

Luke has his hand running up and down my leg, with the occasional squeeze, we talk about what we want to eat and enjoy each other's company, our server comes and takes our order not without giving Jack a few long stares and some flirty giggles, while we wait for our food I scoot closer to Luke and lay my head on his shoulder while he wraps his arm around me and kisses my head

“ y/n when are you free next maybe we can go get our nails done for the start of summer” “ I am free Sunday I was also thinking of getting my hair cut and finding a new swimsuit along with the other things we will need for the house we could make a day of it” luke perks up “ you have infusions tomorrow baby you should probably take it slow; don't worry about the other stuff I've got the rest.”

Luke gave me a soft squeeze on the arm to let me know he was still there with me, and all I can think now as I look up at him and smile is I love him. The rest of lunch goes pretty well me and Ellen walk out arm and arm talking about the rest of the details for our “girls’ day”. Me and Ellen have always been very close so I am looking forward to it

when I get to my car Luke is holding the door open and before I get in he pulls me into his body and gives me a soft kiss on the lips his constant need to touch me has always been something I love about him my little luv bug; instead of pulling away fully I lay my head on his chest and look up at him “Hmm I love you” he smiled “ oh really well I am IN love with you so” I laugh “ stop being so competitive Warren”

Back at the house Luke and I decide a nap would be how we spend the rest of the afternoon, so we make our way to one of the larger hammocks we had put in last year for this exact reason.

As I lay with half of my body on top of Luke he plays with the fingers on the hand that isn't playing with his curls we talk about nothing and everything; conversation had always been so easy for us never seeming to get tired of what the other has to say.

“I have missed this with you,” Luke says softly almost like he is saying it to himself; still very tired from the time change and travel that comes with the job on top of all the physical parts of the game.

I just want to rap him up and keep him in my pocket “Well you are about to see a whole lot more of me so be prepared to get sick of me” I say with a slight chuckle “ I don't think I will ever get tired of you” he says with a smile in his voice “ glad to hear it warren”

[pagesoflauren]

Calamitous Love Chronicles: Delicate Beginning Rush (3/4)

Premise: Steve Rogers blows into town in search of some estranged family. As he settles into civilian life, he realizes leaving work is hard and perhaps the world will never stop needing him.

Warnings: depictions of PTSD, mentions of abandonment by a romantic partner, complex familial dynamics, sexual content.

Thank you to @hyperfixationhovel. And if you're still around, thank you for being here as I find myself again. Also, my blog needs a huge refresh, so please bear with me while I find time to do it!!!

Main Masterlist

You’ve seen Steve one-on-one both inside and outside of work throughout the last month. 

He comes to play with the animals, preparing to adopt one and bonding with each one to find the one that connects with him the most. At first, you thought he and Major would be a perfect match. German Shepherds are intelligent, able to follow commands well and they look like a suitable pair. However, the canine is still on the aloof side, and you’ve realized that Steve needs a dog with a kinder demeanor. 

The smaller dogs are a little too intimidated by him. Despite playing, they can’t quite keep up with his wide strides as he joins you for daily walks and playtime is underlined with aggression as the little dogs try to assert some semblance of dominance over him. 

Cats are even more withdrawn, not complimenting Steve’s need for a softer, sociable companion. You laughed as he attempted to engage with them using various feathered toys and a laser pointer and failed in nearly every attempt.

“She likes you,” you remark as he sits on the floor with Willow, smiling as the golden retriever pup playfully nips at his palm. 

“I think I like her too,” he agrees with a nod. 

The clock beeps on cue, earning some whines and howls from the animals as the work day comes to a close. You begin to cover the carriers and get everyone settled for the night. As you turn to look at the puppies, Steve is putting Willow in her kennel and giving her a few more pets before shutting the door. 

You finish closing up, setting the alarm and locking up the shelter. 

“Can I join you for dinner tonight?” Steve wonders, feet tacked onto the sidewalk next to the front door.

Smiling, you nod.

- - -

Seated by the window in the diner, you place an order with the waitress before she clears away the menus. Steve is people watching on the street and you hate to disturb his peace, but the question is gnawing at you.

“I wanted to ask you something.” 

His head twists quickly to look at you, eyes attentive as he gestures for you to proceed with your question.

“Is this…” The beginning of the question begins to sound silly in your mind. It’s so high school, but you have to know. “Are we on a date?” 

You bite your lip, waiting as he purses his lips in thought. 

“Would it be bad if this was a date?”

“No,” you answer, probably a little too quickly. You stumble over your words as you try to recover from your eager response. It’s always been a pitfall of your personality; you can’t keep your ideas in for the life of you and they come out so impulsively. It’s why you decided to work with animals, unlike your sister. If you had her job, the kids at the preschool would know your business, then their parents and the entirety of Barber, for that matter. 

Your nerves show as you rip the wrapper of your straw to miniscule pieces, even more humiliated as you fail completely at saving face. 

Well, I’ve bungled another one.

Your forwardness hasn’t paid off in the past, men would often head for the hills once hearing you expressed any thought that what you felt with them was more than a mere enjoyment of their company. The moment you told them you liked them or, in this case, called an outing a “date”, it was game over.

Your wrapper is smithereens on the table, your proverbial white flag as you prepare yourself to be let down “easy” yet again. You don’t meet his eyes; you can’t bear another look of uncomfortable sympathy as another man rejects you. 

As your hands begin to retract into your lap, Steve catches them in one of his. 

“I’m sorry I didn’t get you flowers before taking you to dinner.” 

Blinking in disbelief and confusion, you tilt your head up to meet his gaze. 

“What?”

“It’s a date,” he laughs. “I should’ve bought you flowers. Actually, I’m overdue for flowers. Our first date was the picnic in the park.” 

“Oh, that doesn’t have to be a ‘date’...” you begin.

His fingers loosen around yours. “Do you not want to count that?”

No, no, you panic, gripping him tighter. “No,” you shake your head. When you detect the disappointment in his face, you begin to backpedal, “No, I mean, I don’t not want to call that a date. We can call it a date, our first one, if you want.” You take in his face again, not finding anything. “Or…we don’t have to.”

“Okay, how about this,” he laughs, bringing his other hand up. He laces your fingers together, palms warm against yours. “This is our first date. And I’ll bring you flowers in the morning.” 

With how much your brain likes to think, you try to go through the catalog of time you’ve spent with him. An errand here, a dog walk there, a dog bath here, and the picnic. You try to think which of those encounters you started wanting to see him day after day after day until the end of days. 

Truth is, it was the moment he walked into the shelter the first time. 

Squeezing your fingers, you add your voice to your silent affirmation. 

- - - - - 

“Would you like to come in?” you ask, “This is a date, after all.” 

Lump in his throat, Steve has trouble finding his voice. He nods and places his hand on the small of your back as you go up the stairs. 

The space is small but the open, shared area between the kitchen and living space removes any feelings of claustrophobia. 

There’s a kitchen table with two chairs. He can see which one you use by the faded spot where you’ve gripped the top of it to pull it out. It faces the front window; fitting for you to want to take in the sunshine before getting started with your day. 

The living space has a small bookshelf with sets of novels, along with some trinkets and photos. Under the TV in the stand is a basket full of crochet supplies, a half-finished fluffy blanket spilling out of the top. He figures it’s for the animals downstairs in preparation for the winter. 

“Do you want some wine?” you offer. “Or if you’re in a crazy mood, I have some vodka.” 

“Damn,” Steve laughs. “I’m good for now.” 

“Okay,” you say, grabbing two drinking glasses. You take out your pitcher from the fridge and begin to pour water in both of them. “Water’s important, though.” 

“That’s true.” 

You hand one glass to him before leading him to the couch, turning on the TV. There’s a rerun of a late night sitcom playing, so you lower the volume and get comfy.

“What do you like to watch?” 

“Last time I watched TV, I was into Beevis & Butt-Head.” 

“Ew,” your face grimaces at weird, gross teenage-boy humor. “Sorry. Not that I was much better. One Tree Hill was my entire personality in high school.” 

“What’s that?”

Steve watches in amusement as your head turns to look at him faster than a .22 caliber bullet. “You don’t know?”

He shakes his head. “I have a feeling I’m about to find out.” 

And you’re off, spewing names and descriptions in every direction and he’s taking it all in like a mission log. His mind conjures up a relation chart, connecting the two main male leads as half brothers and their respective friends and love interests. 

“It’s so high school drama, but I couldn’t get enough of it.” 

“Can we watch an episode?” 

His heart leaps when your eyes light up.

- - -

With three episodes of One Tree Hill watched, you pause the show. 

“Interesting so far,” Steve remarks, though you notice his face is expressionless, the fronts of his eyes glistening with a slight glaze. 

“You don’t have to watch it anymore if you don’t want to.” 

“Thank you,” he laughs. “I did mean that, it was interesting. It’s just…”

“So high school?”

“Yep.” 

“That’s fair,” you say, stretching. As your muscles relax, you recline against the back of the couch. Feeling eyes on you, you look up at Steve. 

He’s looking at you oddly; you can’t figure out what he’s thinking or what he wants.

“Ste–?”

You don’t get to finish, not when he takes your face in his hands and kisses you feverishly. 

Oh, that’s why he was looking at me…

You can’t recall if anyone has ever kissed you this way, something that seems to put your body on autopilot as you lay back across the cushions with him settling on top of you, pressing his weight onto your body while his hands begin to wander down your sides. 

It’s dizzying, overwhelming as he reaches for the hem of your shirt. Your hands find the front of his chest, pressing against him to get his attention, but not enough to push him away. 

“I need to slow down,” you speak up.

“Sorry,” he pants. “It’s been…not that I’m eager to only do this, but…” He trails off, looking away from you to find the right words. “I can’t remember the last time I felt this way about someone.” 

“Me too,” you say. “The last time I dated someone was a long time ago. Just been me and the animals since then.” 

The two of you share a laugh at your shared dry spells. Around you, the air buzzes with the eager electricity of desire. 

You swallow your nerves and muster the courage to ask if he thinks the two of you would be more comfortable in the bedroom. He doesn’t answer, but instead gets up from his position above you before holding out his hand. 

Standing with him, you place your hand in his, accepting his kiss when he leans in for another one. 

With a little tug, you take him to the little corridor past the bathroom and the washer and dryer and lead him into the bedroom. You let go of his hand to turn on your bedside lamp. There’s no need to turn back and look at him when his hands come around your waist and pull your body close to his. His face finds the crook of your neck, lips pressing kisses there that ignite your body. 

His hands begin to wander, cupping your chest and gliding down your front to pin your hip back to keep you flush against him. 

Your lungs struggle, body overstimulated with all the contact against your back while your front screams for more. The clothing begins to feel stifling and you yank his hands off of you to take your shirt off to discard it on the floor. Turning to face Steve again, he’s acting before you can. 

He grips your hips again, falling back onto your mattress heavily and taking you with him. His hands guide you to straddle his hips, your groin positioned just above the growing tent in his pants. 

You feel one hand trailing up your back as he begins to undo the clasp of your bra. As he busies himself with that, you begin to pull at the hem of his shirt, bringing it up until he has to pause his act to take it off all the way. Tossing the shirt to the floor, you reach up with your other hand and unhook your bra all the way. 

“I had a handle on it,” Steve jokes, sitting up and burying his face between your breasts. 

He takes your nipple between his lips, suckling and wiping your brain of any witty comebacks so you settle for an, “Mhm.” You try to add a tone of sarcasm, but it’s hard to know how it came out as your head spins. 

Your hands find their way into his hair, gripping the short strands between your fingers as much as you can as you begin to grind your hips against him. 

The world spins as he flips you onto your back, your knees still around his waist until he stands back and unbuttons his pants. You follow his lead, reaching down and popping the button. Before you can shimmy out of the waistband, your hands are swatted away and replaced with his. 

Thumbs hooking into the sides of your underwear, those are removed too, leaving you bare in front of him. His eyes are fiery when he meets yours, holding your gaze and waiting for any sign to stop. Hands on your knees, he spreads your legs and exposes your center. His eyes catch the shine of arousal in the soft light from your lamp, mouth watering in anticipation. 

Lowering himself to his knees, he pulls you slightly closer to the edge of the bed, the perfect spot for him to lean forward and press his tongue between your lower lips. 

It draws a gasp from you, then a sound of pure arousal as he pleases you. A hand drifts up again, stimulating your breast with tugs and flicks at your nipples. The hunger behind his mouth and desperation from his hand goes straight to your head. He works you to the end and through it, sending you flying over the edge and keeping you floating until he’s satisfied. 

He stands over you, boxers off and stroking his length as he pushes you to the middle of the bed. His eyes don’t leave yours as he grabs a pillow to stuff beneath your hips and brings your knees around your hips. 

When he slides in, it’s an easy glide and the both of you have to take a moment to process the sensation. He fills you up, giving a delicious pain that makes your thighs quiver. You grip his cock so tightly, soft around him that his toes curl in bliss. 

“You okay?” he checks.

“Yes,” you respond. He’s concerned at how choked you sound.

“You sure?”

“Yes, I just…” you exhale, “I need you.” 

He obliges, withdrawing his hips and propelling them forward. He finds a rhythm, building up a steady, satisfying pattern that has you holding him tighter and crying out for him in desperation. It spurs him on further when you begin begging; you don’t need to, he’s so willing to give you everything you need. 

A string of expletives falls out of your mouth and he delivers a series of steady, forceful thrusts, resisting the loss of stamina as he finds himself finishing sooner than anticipated. He leans forward and keeps up, sucking at the skin of your neck and toying with your nipples again. When your hands fly to the comforter and your body tenses beneath his, he reaches down to stroke your clit and carry out your orgasm as long as you can bear it. 

When you shrink away from him, he slows down and eventually stops, fingers grazing over the outside of your thigh as his lips find your cheek.

“You okay?” he mumbles against your skin. 

“Mmm,” you hum in acknowledgement. 

He flips you over again, nestling you into his side so that he can keep you close as you both navigate the fog of post-coital bliss. 

- - - - -

You stumble into the living area using your fingers to undo a knot in your hair. You can smell toast and eggs, along with coffee. On your dining table is a bouquet of fresh flowers. 

Steve is dressed, transferring the eggs from the frying pan to one of two plates. 

“I hoped you wouldn’t be awake yet,” he says when he sees you. “Wanted to give you breakfast in bed.” 

“It’s okay,” you wave him off, “I don’t like getting crumbs in my bed.” 

“Fair enough,” he shrugs. “The couch then?” 

He brings the plates while you bring the coffee. The first few minutes are silent but not awkward. Just enjoyment of each other’s company as you start the day after spending the night together. 

“I was thinking,” Steve says, “I think Willow would be a really great dog to adopt.” 

You finish chewing your bite of toast before bumping his shoulder. “If you just wanted to adopt the dog, you didn’t have to do this whole ruse of taking me on a date and sleeping with me.” 

You’re pulled into his lap and smothered with kisses as the two of you laugh.

– - - - -

Steve splits his time between your place and the cabin. He doesn’t like leaving the family he semi-uprooted by his arrival, but the cabin also wasn’t puppy-proofed yet. Willow lived with you as Ari made sure everything was dog-friendly and dog-conscious. That included padding around the family furnishings and banisters that he spent precious time restoring. It would be removed when Willow was no longer teething. 

Being in less than three months with you awoke the part of him that he had hidden away. He was safe enough to share about himself and he did it so easily around you. Anyone else needed to build his trust, but as long as you would have him, he was yours. 

He holds you tighter as he gets pulled from sleep, hearing pinging from a device on the other side of the room.

Wait. He knows that sound. 

Eyes opening, he slowly unwraps his arms from around you to avoid disturbing you. He steps lightly as he rises from the bed and finds his pants, reaching into the front pocket to pull out the pager he keeps on him. 

Walking to the window, he angles the device so the screen catches the moonlight and he can see the letters scrolling across.

MISSION GOING SOUTH. BACKUP NEEDED.

His heart drops. They wouldn’t page him if they didn’t need him. He knows Bucky wouldn’t allow it. He can only imagine what the team is going through right now, how desperate they must be in order to page a teammate that was discharged because the missions consumed him. 

He looks at you, still fast asleep in the bed, then back at the pager as the message plays again. 

Putting his legs through his pants, he hesitates before replying. 

En route. Send coordinates.

Steve finds his shirt and puts it on. He opens the drawer in your bedside table and pulls out a notepad and pen. 

I’m sorry but I have to go. Take care of Willow until I come back. 

He peels the note off the pad and folds it before writing your name on it. After propping it against the base of your lamp, he stops and takes in the image of you asleep. 

He could just undress and get back under the covers. He wants to. He wants to pretend he never heard the pager and just go on the way he has with you for the past two months. But if he did, he wouldn’t sleep a wink knowing he left his team to suffer, or worse.

Leaning down, he presses a kiss into your forehead, closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. He’s a soldier. 

As he leaves, he ignores the tugging in his chest, stretching like elastic that’s ready to snap and bring him back to you at any moment. Down the street, back to the cabin, he boxes up the memories of you and locks them away. 

------

Tags: @nekoannie-chan @steviebbboi @raven-blue3000 @joannaliceevans-fanficblog @brandycranby @kmc1989 @spectre-posts @emerald-evans

[jeanette-luminia]

𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫 || 𝑳𝑨𝑹𝑰𝑺𝑺𝑨 𝑾𝑬𝑬𝑴𝑺

Warning: Abusive relationship towards mother (if there's more, let me know.)

a/n" this was supposed to be a short fic but it ended up longer than I anticipated. 😭 anyways, please enjoy!

“Class dismissed.” called out as the bell rang. Students gather their belongings and head to the cafeteria for lunch. You, on the other hand, have to go back to your office and grade your student's papers. With the semester being almost over, students are getting excited about winter break.

You gather all your things before hearing a knock on the door. “Come in.”

“Ms. L/N, you have a visitor.” your fellow teacher called out as they opened the door. You look at them confused, it was rare for you to have visitors— in fact, you haven’t had visitors in a long time now.

“Who are they?” you questioned, clutching your stuff and walking towards the door. “They claim to be your mother.”

You stopped. It felt like time stopped as they said the final words. Why is she here? The pent-up anger that you thought was long gone builds up again, and the words you wished you said before are finally forming. But, you were at Nevermore Academy, not at home, not in the middle of nowhere. You were here.

You pushed your emotions away, and said: “Send her away, I don’t wanna see her.”

“Oh dear, it seems that you’ve become more unladylike.” Just the sound of her voice drives you on edge, you did your best to keep your composure, but when she finally revealed herself behind your fellow teacher—you felt your anger mellowing inside. “That’s no way to speak to your mother like that, I raised you better.”

Feeling the tension in the air, you silently gestured for your coworker to leave you two be.

You chuckled, breaking the tension. “First of all, you’re not my mother anymore.” you ignored her scoff and continued. “Second, you never raised me. I raised myself.” you gritted your teeth, trying so hard not to lose your cool.

“Right, that's why you turned out like that.” she laughed. God, you wanted nothing more than to snap her neck as she laughed, but killing her won’t do justice. “Are you here just to mock me? If so then leave.”

You turned your heel away as you walked towards your office, silently thanking that no students are in the hallway right now.

“Heavens no, I would never want to see your face again, after all, you’re just a disgrace to the family's name.”

You stopped walking, you feel like your anger is soon gonna be erupting if she utters more words. “Then why are you here?” you spat. “Because I found someone you can marry, then maybe you can redeem yourself.”

You move a step closer as you clench your fist, turning your knuckles into pale white. “I will not marry someone just because you want to carry the family's name.” you snapped, raising your voice accidentally, catching the attention of a certain blonde in her office.

Your Mother slapped you, dropping your things on the ground, effectively catching Larissa’s full attention. “You do not speak to your mother like that!” she screamed at the same time Larissa opened the door to see you and your mother down the halls, close enough to see what was happening.

“I am giving you an opportunity to return once more and redeem yourself to your father and make use of yourself. Maybe It’ll inspire you to be an actual woman and follow your parent's wishes.” she snarled as you snapped back at her.

“You did inspire me.” you said.” You inspired me to be nothing like you.” your eyes were red from holding back your tears, your jaw hurts with how much you clenched it, your breathing is rigid, and your shoulders are tense. “I tried to be your perfect little daughter that you once dreamed of, but you fucking abandoned me to raise myself on my own.”

Your vision is getting blurry from the tears forming in your eyes. “Yet you didn’t try hard enough.” her words stung you like you were your 8 years old self again trying to get your mother’s attention. Your tears fell, staring at her.

“I think you’ve caused enough disturbance Mrs. L/N.” Larissa suddenly appeared behind your mother, she nearly tripped when she turned around. Her tall figure intimidates your mother as her smile never flatters. “It’s best if you leave, we don’t want to anger any students who adore Ms. L/N.” her smile slightly falls, her voice almost threatening.

Your mother slowly backed away as she finally made up her mind. “Fine! Be a disappointed Y/N!” she shouted before turning around the corner hastily.

Larissa’s eyes averted to your still body, unable to move or breathe properly. “Let’s go to my office, love.” her gentleness awakens you. You watched her pick up the things you dropped before grabbing your hand and leading you toward her office.

She guided you towards the chair near the fireplace as she set your things on her desk. Grabbing a glass of water and bringing it to you. “Drink some water, you’ll dehydrate yourself.”

With your shaky hands, you carefully grabbed the cup whilst glancing at her. “Take your time, love. It’s okay.” her gentle demeanor makes you tear up, you let your shoulders relax as you set the cup on the table beside you.

“I’m sorry you have to witness that.” you keep your head low as you clunch the fabric touching your knees. Your thoughts clouded your head while your heart was pounding so hard. Why is it so hard to calm down?

Larissa felt helpless, she didn’t want to touch you without your permission, and she couldn’t even find the right words to confront you. “Can I—” you paused, feeling like something has caught in your throat. You slowly looked up as she saw your teary gaze.

“Can I hug you?” you whispered, almost unsure of what you were doing. She carefully bends down to your height and embraces you. She patted your head and whispered nothing more than soft reassurance.

“You’re doing well, honey. You’re enough. Don’t listen to what she says.” your shaky hands made their way to her back to embrace her. “No need to hide your tears, you’re safe.” 

You’re safe.

Tears uncontrollably fell from your eyes, noises that can’t be suppressed any longer, you hid on her neck as she felt the wetness on her skin, but she didn’t care. What she cares about right now is you.

“Was— it so hard for her to say things like this to me?” you cried out loud. Larissa didn’t dare to utter a word whilst you cry, you cling onto her as your sobs slowly get quieter as your breathing finally slowed down.

“You are not hard to love. You deserve better than what your family has treated you. You are enough, Y/N.” she pampers your face with a kiss, certainly leaving her lipstick mark everywhere.

“I’ve been dying to hear someone say that I didn’t need to be perfect, that I was enough and—” you paused, feeling a lump on your throat “And that it was okay.”

Larissa took your hand and planted a kiss on the top of your hand, your palm, every tip of your finger tips while saying: “You don’t need to be perfect, you just have to be who you are. You’re more than enough. And it’s okay, we’re gonna be okay.”

“You’ll get tired of me eventually.”

“I won’t, my love. All the words you need to hear, I will say it.” she caressed your face as you buried your face into her chest. “I will love you till we grow old.”

© 𝐋𝐔𝐕-𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐃 - all rights reserved. please do not repost, plagiarize, or translate. please ask me first then credit me once you shared my work to other platforms.

[marauder-ing-your-heart]

the promised fic has arrived!!

just a cute little thing about the black brothers when they were kids, no angst in this one (though i did get ahead of myself, and have already started a second chapter that is shaping up to be rather depressing)

content: black brothers as kids!, comfort, brotherly love, good brothers!regulus and sirius, bad parents!walburga and orion (but what's new), cute, sweet, reggie being scared of storms [maybe it's because of the loud noises and flashing reminding him of...certain things (but that's for later chapters🤭)], just my favourite brothers word count: 813

enjoy this sweet comfort fic! (while it lasts😈)

Storms and Blankets - black brothers fluff

Regulus silently slipped out of his room, muffling his whimpers and sniffling into the arm of his solid green pyjamas as he stumbled quickly on bare feet to his big brother’s room.

To safety.

Outside, the storm raged, furious and howling, punctuated with flashes of harsh lightning and great explosive booms.

Regulus shivered, clutching his blanket closer to him as he hurried up the corridor, footsteps growing more panicked and rapid as the short distance seemed to stretch. From elsewhere in the house, the obnoxiously gothic ornate grandfather clock tick-tocked loud and harsh, echoing throughout the countless empty, winding hallways of Grimmauld Place.

Regulus flinched, squeaking slightly as the oppressive silence of the night was again disturbed by a threatening growl of thunder, this time joined by an ominous tolling from the aforementioned clock. Twelve o’clock. Twelve resounding tolls punctuated with groans of wood and window panes as wind and rain battered them, terrifying booms of thunder, and blinding flashes of light.

The scene was a perfect replica of a scene from a horror story.

Suddenly, the door ahead of him swung open, washing a patch of the otherwise cold and unwelcoming hallway in warm light. The action was fast and almost could be taken as careless, but Regulus could see how carefully the strength had been measured to prevent it from slamming against a wall, lest it alert their parents. 

Sirius’ head peeked out from the door frame, beaming at Regulus, before his brother stepped out of his doorway fully, walking toward where Regulus had frozen.

“Reg! Come, come, quickly! I’ll protect you from the big bad storm!”, Sirius proudly declared, puffing out his chest with his hands on his hips, and generally making a fool of himself. He wrapped an arm around Regulus’ wiry shoulders, and dragged him the few steps remaining to his bedroom, closing the door behind them.

The distance that had seemed so daunting and fearsomely untraversable just moments prior was suddenly revealed to be only a mere handful of steps.

A small smile fought its way onto Regulus’ face as he buried closer to his brother’s warmth.

The pair shuffled over to Sirius’ bed, sides pressed together the whole while, as though they were conjoined at birth, and huddled together under the warm covers of luxurious goose-down blankets. If there was one thing you could be sure of about Walburga and Orion Black, it would be that they loved indulgent finery, and only ever used the best, as was befitting of the Most Noble and Ancient status.

Giggling, Sirius reached a hand over to where Regulus lay curled at his side, stealthy as a snake on the hunt, before quickly lashing out and digging into exposed sides. Regulus barely managed to smother his shriek of indignance, and suppressed a peal of laughter into muffled giggles as his brother began to launch a merciless tickle attack.

“Siri! Siri stop! Hahaha! Siri-” Regulus struggled out between gasps and bouts of frantically smothered laughter.

“Never! Watch out, Reggie! The tickle monster is out to get ya!” Sirius whisper-yelled.

“Noooooo! Ahahaha- Stop it Siri- No! Hahah- Haha!”

Sirius sat back on his heels, looking down at his little brother, satisfied with having lifted his mood. Regulus lay sprawled on his back, dishevelled and wheezing, very un-lordly.

The older Black brother took advantage of the vulnerable position Regulus lay in, and sprawled on top of his smaller and slighter form, knocking the breath out of his chest once again, before rolling over onto his back and clamping his arms around his arms and waist.

“Lemme gooo! Noooo!” Regulus whined kicking ineffectually at his brother’s shins. This only prompted his aggressor to tighten his hold.

“If I let you up, will you grab the blanket and come cuddle with your big brother again?” Sirius teased.

“No! I’m leaving! I hate youuuuu!” Regulus complained.

Sirius laughed and loosened his arms, knowing the squirming mass in his arms would in fact return to his initial position at his side.

True to his thoughts, Regulus sat up and pulled the bunched and discarded blanket, pushed nearly off the bed in their tussle. When he returned to his big brother’s side, however, he curled up with his back facing Sirius, staunch in his refusal to acquiesce and prove Sirius right.

Well, that won’t do, supplied Sirius’ mind.

With a gentle, fluid motion, Sirius wrapped his small arms around the other, even smaller boy, and pulled him until he was snuggled in his warm embrace, back to chest.

“Goodnight Reggie, my little brother!” he whispered into Regulus’ hair.

“G’night Siri…” was the sleep-slurred reply he got.

And with a quiet chuckle, Sirius shuffled himself closer to his brother, tucking him into his chest in an effort to guard and protect his defenceless sleeping body.

The storm howled on, forgotten by the duo as they drifted into a peaceful slumber.

word count: 814

[aru-xx]

I'm here now. // Detroit Become Human x Heavy Rain

A/N: yooo! I really hope that whoever might be reading this, will enjoy the short story about this alternative universe! it actually took me a little time to make, but in the end i'm pretty happy how it turned out. any kind of feedback is always appreciated and if you liked this fanfic, then make sure to check out my account for more stories or leave me some requests for stories with your own ideas. have a great day/night! // Word Count: 3295 // not revised // ――――――――――――― 6th October 2034, 5:37pm, DPD I just sat there staring at the files and reports in front of me, not taking up anymore information I was getting. Suddenly a hand gently touched my shoulder, bringing me back to reality. "Mister Anderson, I think it'd be a good idea for you to go home and catch a break. This case will be in good hands and will have top priority, I can promise that." The man next to me spoke in a calm yet serious voice, making me slowly stand up from the chair I was sitting on. "We will be quick to inform you about anything new. Good evening." That was the last thing he said to me, before I heard his footsteps getting quieter as he was walking away to presumably do something of more importance. I took a sharp breath in while my eyes were still sticking to all of the reports I saw on the table. -nine year old boy found dead near the freeway! will the origami killer be back again this year?- -seven year old boy gone missing on his way home from school!- I felt myself feeling sicker with every second that passed just looking at all of this. Needing to get some fresh air and to clear my mind, I quickly stepped out of the building before feeling the cold weather outside instantly. I slowly started walking home in trance and silence. My mind was empty, I couldn't think straight anymore after the hours of sitting in the police station and explaining the officers what happened. I scoffed in frustration. I was the one who was supposed to take care of him. I am an Officer myself, so I should've been the one searching for him now. I should've looked out for him more and be a better father to him. My Cole. My sweet little boy. He's just 5 years old. How was he supposed to be out here all alone?

6th October 2034, 5:56pm, Michigan Drive 115 Opening the door to my House I felt like I was abandoning everything I have ever cared for if I only dared to close that door again. I stepped inside the warm home, trying to ignore the uneasy feeling before locking the door behind me. Hearing sumo walking out of the living room he was probably sleeping in before, i kneel down to his height waiting for him to approach me. "Hey there boy", I said almost in a whisper as I petted him before taking off my jacket and shoes. As sumo went back into the living room I saw some mails on the shelf, I grabbed them before walking into the kitchen and tossing them onto the table, not caring much about it. I then opened the fridge to get myself a beer, opening it and sitting down on a chair at the kitchen table. I took a big sip of the alcoholic drink, already feeling the sad comfort in my throat, before I roughly ripped open the mails. "Uninteresting, uninteresting, uninteresting.." I kept looking through them without much interest, before stopping at one specific mail that i was finding rather odd. I looked at the weird letter which had no sender address on it. Just a tiny bit more interested now, I opened this one with more care before pulling out the sheet of paper that was in it. When the parents came home from church, all their children were gone. They searched and called for them, they cried and begged, but it was all to no avail. The children have never been seen again. I swallowed at the sight of the kind of disturbing text, not knowing what that was supposed to mean nor why I got this mail. My mind was racing again and all I could think about was Cole. I heard a loud thunder rumble, which made me look at the window that was covered in thousands of rain drops. It was raining heavily again. I stared outside the window for a moment, seeing the dark clouds covering the sky and making the whole place look more depressed than it already was. Cole. He had to be out there. He would get sick. I felt my mood take a drastical twist as i looked inside the envelope now and found a ticket for a luggage locker inside. Again not knowing what this was, I still knew that something was off about this, so I kept the ticket before pushing everything else from the table in frustration, anger, unsteadiness and most of all sadness. I laid down my head on the table putting my hands over my head, not caring about the now shattered glass on the floor or the instant noodles that sumo would probably eat soon. I was at helpless and I knew it. I failed him and even myself, I knew it. I knew it but I just couldn't accept the fact that this was my fault. That him being scared out there all alone now.. was only me failing as a father.

7th October 2034, 2:18pm, Lexington Station The police hasn't reported anything new to me yet so they had most likely no trace of my son so far, but that would only be true if they were actually keeping their word on letting me know every new information about his well being and the investigation. I wasn't stupid though. I was a cop myself so I knew how things had to go. But the only difference here was, that i wasn't doing this as my job. I was doing this because I was his father and threfore I was on a different level than them. I did have a possible traceand I wasn't willing to give that up. Walking into the Train Station I almost feltlike a criminal even if what I was doing wasn't anything illegal. Getting some luggage from a letter that I received wasn't a crime, was it? But no matter what, in order to succeeded I had to keep my cool while walking past thesecurity and trying to find the right locker. Getting past the man that was apparently checking for any suspicous behaviour, was in fact just sitting in his chair and letting everyone pass with less than half care about it. "Row 18, locker 3", I whispered tomyself, checking the ticket and all the lockers in front of me, until I had found the right one. I carefully opened it before taking out the shoe box that was insidewith a rather confused look. I quickly checked the area for any civilians before not even hesitating to open the box and seewhat was inside of it, but what I saw made me feel sick. There were little origamifigures, an old phone with a memory card and .. a gun. My stomach began to churn, alarming me thatthis was nothing a normal person had to do with. It was more than clear that not only the gun was a hint to the killer but also the origami figures that were his kind of signature that he left right before every missing child was found, together with an orchid on the dead bodies. I just stood there for a longtime, thinking about how this would be my son if I didn't act fast enough. How this would happen to a lot more fathers and mothers. Thinking about all possible things. But in the end I came to the conclusion that I was only sure about the fact that I wanted to save my little boy. Iwanted to be a good protector to him again. A good father. But I knew. I knew. If I wanted to really save him, I had to give this to thepolice and let them handle it. I could do nothing for him. Again.

7th October 2034, 3:12pm, DPD I walked into the Police Department, having already informed the FBI Profiler Norman Jayden who was working together with Lieutenant Carter Blake in the origami killer case, about my findings. I didn't quite like the FBI because of their way of handling things, but I had a good feeling about this particularly man so I trusted him enough to let him try to save my son, which already should mean the world. Getting closer to all of the officer's desks I heard Agent Jayden and Officer Blake talk to a man who was sitting on a chair in front of a table that had different files on it. He reminded me of myself, sitting in that same chair yesterday. Reminded me of how i felt at that moment. I looked down at the box I was holding, feeling the sadness and guilt catch up to me again. Being lost in my thoughts for a second made me not realize how they almost finished their talk. That was until the man stood up trying to walk a little after the lieutenant, making me also look up at them. "Hey, do you think the origami killer..", he wasn't able to finish his sentence which led to an uneasy silence in the conversation. "Listen, your sons probably just run off and will turn up in a couple hours", the officer replied rather annoyed. "But what if it is the origami killer?", while the father was sounding more than just worried. "Well then we have about 4 days to find him alive". As soon as Carter Blake spat his words out and left, I instantly regretted listening in on their conversation and looked back down to avoid having to look into the mans eyes who has just recently had a traumatic experience. It made me realize. He was also a father. A father who lost his son. Like me. Like everyone else before. I was sure now. I was sure about that this was the right thing to do. To put a stop to this never-ending nightmare for all people out there who lost their lovely children. After I looked up again I saw the man leaving into the waiting area and talking to a woman which seemed to be his wife .. or ex-wife. At least the mother ofthe young boy. I decided that this was no longer something of my business, even if it wasn't in the first place either. I walked over to the FBI Agent who seemed rather stressed but not surprised to see me once he noticed me. "Mr. Anderson." He looked at the box I was holding before standing up straight again, after he was bending over the table for I was guessing the whole questioning from the father. "Please follow me into my office." He forced a calm voice out of him while I stayed silent. We walked into his office, and he closed the door behind us as I simply put the box on his desk. I gave a heavy sigh, not even daring to look into the mans eyes due to me being ashamed of myself that I was much older than this FBI Profiler and yet I couldn't even bring myself to even try or believe in myself that I could find and rescue my son myself but instead put it on other peoples backs. It was pathetic. "Save my son. Please. You have to. Not only for me but for everyone. For the father that also lost his little boy." I paused, opening my mouth to speak again but only shook my head and put my hands on the table for some grip while staring down at it. "Ethan Mars. I know i'm not supposed to share this information with you but that was the fathers name, and his son is named Shaun Mars. He also felt guilty about losing his son just like that even if he was supposed to take care of him. But if I can promise you one thing Mister Anderson .. then that would be that I WILL find your and Mister Mars sons and put a stop to this." I turned around, looking surprised for a moment that the Agent was sympathising with me and giving me personal informations about this man only for me to be able to get in touch with him. I quickly put a thankful smile on my face which not only showed and expressed my sadness and helplessness but also my gratitude and relief I felt at the moment. Without another word having to be spoken, I left the office and with that also the DPD.

11th October 2034, 7:22pm, The Old Warehouse A normal Friday evening, standing outside an old warehouse together with the police and just waiting for something to happen. Someone to come out of the building. My nerves were completely shot, and I haven't really slept for the past few days because of the fact that I was not knowing anything about how close or far away the police were to catching the origami killer and finding my son. But now. Now it was finally time, so when I got a call from Norman Jayden that he knows who and where the origami killer is I couldn't help but feel a little bit of hope grow inside me. And now I would either see my son come out of this building .. or not. Everything would be finished tonight and there was no other way. But I already knew that if my little boy wouldn't be here anymore, I would break. I would never be the same ever again. "Hank?" A man next to me spoke up and I quickly turned my head in the direction of the voice, seeing Ethan giving me an even more worried expression than he already had all the time, if that was even possible. "I couldn't bear to never see him again. I love him too much for something so brutally." I spoke truthfully, sharing what was going through my mind with him. Over the painful time I was kept in the dark, I decided to take the chance Agent Jayden gave me and get in touch with Ethan Mars. And now I would never regret doing that, because hearing his story and knowing there was someone who was going through the same as me right now made me feel much more understood with my own feelings, thoughts and the situation. "Movement on the front doors! Keep in position! On my call!" I heard and saw the whole situation getting heated up faster than I could blink and Ethan and I were both pushed a little further away by some of the cops to avoid us getting in the way or hurt. My eyes were fixated on the door, no thoughts were crossing my mind anymore. I couldn't think anymore. I just wanted to see my boy. I wanted to know he was fine. I wanted to see him smile as he was calling out for me. For his father. I wanted to hold him again. My .. One of the doors got pushed opened fully now as we saw the injured FBI profiler walking out of the building with his hands raised to avoid getting mistaken by the killer and shot. "Person verified. Agent Norman Jayden." My heart dropped seeing the man come out of the building alone. I froze up. Feeling sick again all of a sudden. Not being able to look at the scene anymore I put my hands on my knees to keep myself steady as i bend down in utter despair. "Two more persons verified. Shaun Mars and .." I flipped my head back up within a second, seeing two little boys walk slowly and terrified out of the building, being visibly overwhelmed by the scenery infront of them. "COLE!" I screamed as I ignored the instructions of the Officers and instead ran towards my son, earning his full attention. "Cole Anderson." The police officer finished his sentence before Cole came running towards me, closely followed by Shaun running up to his own dad. "DAD!", Cole screamed with tears in his eyes before just a few moments later I fell to my knees right before him and hugged him tightly. Keeping him close to me again. Holding him in my arms again. "Dad.." he sobbed in relief and sorrow, as tears started to fall from his face and almost instantly soaked into my clothing due to his face being buried in my chest. "Cole..", I cooed softly. The sight of my son clinging onto me like this while crying made my own tears, that were swelling up for the whole past days now, come out of my eyes. The happiness I felt of seeing my loved son again and keeping him close to me again after so long was more than just a wonderful feeling to me. Blending out everything around us, I memorized everything carefully. In that moment all I cared about was him. Even though I knew it wouldn't always be like this, I could only feel the comfort in keeping my boy close.

But as it is, not everything was supposed to have a happy ending. The luck is not always on your side. It runs out. I just would have never guessed that my luck would run out so soon again. Only one year later. One fucking year after this nightmare. A car crash. Just one mistake from a stranger. One second. Just one moment. And it should all be over in the blink of an eye, sending me back into the darkest places of my mind. That's what the future had planned for me. And there was nothing I could do about it. ➥ 𝚏𝚕𝚊𝚜𝚑𝚋𝚊𝚌𝚔 𝚎𝚗𝚍. 7th November 2038, 1:19am, Riverside Park I breathed out heavily feeling somewhat relieved of getting this off my chest. As soon as I finished speaking, the cold winter air hit me once again, leaving me unfazed. "That's how my son was saved the first time but he.." I stopped talking due to the discomfort I felt when speaking about it, so I just stared at the view in front of me - Detroit glowing bright at night while the water reflected the lights on its surface. I took another sip from my beer before looking down at the bench I was sitting on, replaying everything that has happened back then in my head yet again. "I'm here now, hank." I was quick to look up at the sudden but calm voice talking to me, seeing Connor standing next to me with what seemed to be sympathy in his eyes as the wind hit my face more lightly once more. I looked at him for a while, only now noticing the similarities he had to Cole in his presence. I carefully started memorizing everything about him, like I did with Cole back at the old Warehouse and as if it was the last time I'd ever see his face again. But in reality I was actually finding a little bit of my own peace in him. Now replaying all of the moments I had with the detective android instead of the horrible events from the past years. We both stayed silent before I sighed out again, this time more relieved and with a slight smile on my face. We then turned our attention back at the beautiful view of Detroit, but now something was different than just a moment ago. It was much fuller with life and the silence wasn't as heavy as it was before. Maybe Connor was right after all. Maybe it was actually worth living for others. Maybe there's more to life than just what you've lost. Maybe I can believe in myself again and maybe he was the one who was able to change my way of seeing things in life. The first time for years now my thoughts were calm again, as I kept replaying the soothing words from the android in my mind. 𝐈'𝐦 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 ���𝐨𝐰.

[glittter-vamp]

CHAPTER 4

Joe Burrow x Bisexual OC.

Warnings: Angsty. Smut-ish if you squint.

Word Count: 3k

Valeria gets home from work and she simply couldn't stop replaying what happened at the store over and over again in her mind. She texted Joe about how sorry she was but he was being really dry with her. Replying 'Ok' and 'We'll talk later' or even 'I'm Busy', which was annoying Valeria and even pissing her off at this moment. Valeria decides to turn off her phone and play at Joe's stupid immature game. She wasn't going to let him get to her, she was done. Joe was being childish and she didn't have to put up with that. Opening a wine bottle she pours the wine into a glass, filling it generously and makes her way to her bathroom. Debating on a bath she decides to just shower not wanting to shower first to then wait and fill up a bath, plus she was used to Joe's tub with the nice jets and room for two.

Turning the shower head on and letting the water heat up, Valeria chugs the rest of her wine like a frat boy would a beer and sets it down on the bathroom sink. After she undresses, Valeria steps into the hot shower letting the water relax her as much as possible and thinking about everything and anything that didn't have to do with Joe or even Summer because she was also clouding up her mind at the moment. It was working until she heard the door of her condo open and shut close. She had forgotten that Joe also had keys to her home like she did to his. So much for forgetting about him for right now.

"Turning off your phone? Real mature Val." Joe says walking into the bathroom disturbing Valeria's peace. She mouthed a string of cuss words for not remembering to lock her bathroom door before she got into her shower.

"Say's the one giving me one answer replies and also going basically M.I.A all day. Don't even try it. " Valeria scoffs as she lathers her body with body wash.

"I was at my parents. I wasn't going to be arguing with you while I was over there with them." Joe snaps back making Val roll her eyes.

"Whatever Joe, just let me shower in peace. It's been a long day. " Valeria says not caring to hear his excuses. She could hear him sigh in annoyance but he leaves the bathroom shutting the bathroom behind him. Though Joe was at her place waiting to continue their argument, she took her time showering before she finally stepped out drying off as much as she could before putting on her robe and drying her hair with a towel. Stepping outside of the bathroom she found Joe laying on her bed scrolling on his phone, which ticked her off even more.

"You know how I feel about outside clothes on my bed." She says to Joe who looks at her with an annoyed look before slowly standing up. Val makes her way to her drawers and searched for some underwear and pajamas.

"Took you long enough, now can we talk about what happened at the store." Joe sighs.

"I've apologized multiple times Joe and you clearly didn't give a shit so... what is there left to say? It's not my fault she did that & I didn't entertain it either." Val says rummaging through her drawers trying to find her matching pajamas.

"What do you mean It's not your fault, you didn't stop her or corrected her!" Joe argues back making Valeria scoff before turning around.

"She's not a dog or child Joe! She has no clue that I am in a relationship, much less with you." Valeria sighs rubbing her face in annoyance. 

"You still could of said literally anything and respect our relationship!" Joe snaps back.

"Oh I'm sorry, am I the one that's wanted to be in a secret relationship for 4 fucking years?! Am I the one that told myself to even lie about in being in a relationship in general, because if we both start telling people we are in a relationship but don't disclose with who...people are going to assume, put two and two together and then figure out we're dating each other? No, that's you! You've never respected this relationship since the beginning much less me. " Valeria snaps at Joe.

"What does that have to do with your Ex girlfriend still flirting with you?! and don't you dare say I don't respect you Val because that's bullshit. " Joe says which made Val see red.

"Joe... if I have to lie about dating you and basically have to pretend I'm single. What the fuck do you think is going to happen? You have hundreds of girls throw themselves at you when you go out with your guys friends, in your DMs, at events and guess who the fuck has to suck it up because she knows that NONE of those people know about her and think you're this rich  bachelor? Does that not seem disrespectful to you in anyway?" Val says in a calm voice.

"So it's my fault?" Joe scoffs shaking his head.

"Yes! You quite literally made your own bed and now that you have lie in it, you don't like it. That's not my problem if other people hit on me, ask me out or perceive me as single. I do my part which is ignore it and seem uninterested but I'm not going to sit here and feel bad for a stupid comment a girl I liked in college made and you clearly feel threatened by." Val finishes making Joe scoff.

"I'm not threatened by anyone." Joe says with a stupid smirk on his face.

"Then why are you mad right now if you know I'm yours? Summer doesn't know we're dating cause I followed your little 'act single' rule we've been doing for years and now it's suddenly a problem. Shit, two months ago at guy at that barbecue we were at asked me for my number and you never brought it up or got bothered by it. You feel threatened because you know as long as she thinks I'm single, it's free game with me. You never liked the idea of her and I reconciling and now I know why." Val chuckles as she turns back around and continues her search for her pajamas.

"Are you laughing because that's what you want? You're enjoying having her flirt with you again? Is this some sick twisted joke to you?" Joe asks. It was so painfully obvious he was jealous.

"No, I'm laughing because your stupid little relationship rules and paranoia are finally biting you in the ass. It's either, I tell her we're dating & risk her telling people or even selling it to a tabloid cause I know that's your number one fear or I keep pretending we are only friends, you suck up the flirting until she leaves. Those are you two options." Val shrugs. 

"How about you cut her off, tell her to stay away that you can't handle being friends with her." Joe says and Val rolls her eyes. 

"I already forgave her about what happened, I'm not gonna make something up and switch up on her for no reason. I'm done with the lying to accommodate you, I'm tired Joe, I can't keep doing this to myself, this isn't healthy." Val sighs. 

"I told you I just needed a bit more time Val..." Joe runs his his fingers through his hair clearly stressed. 

"I... can't see myself being with you any longer if this is what's going to continue to happen Joe. You're playing games with me and I'm not doing this again." Val tears up. 

"You're talking nonsense Val, all because some girl you hooked up with in college is in your life again. You need to let that go." Joe scoffs shaking his head. 

"This isn't about Summer, Joe! I'm not going to sit here waiting any longer for you. Either you figure out if you really want this relationship, if you really want me and you allow me to be a normal partner to you or we should simply just both move on because at this rate... it's just disrespectful, it seems like you're embarrassed of me or something or I'm just some placeholder until you find someone else." Val says, which at this point she was crying. 

"So, you're giving me an ultimatum?" Joe looks at Val with anger plastered on his face. 

"I'm not going to be keep paying for something that happened to you and your past relationship Joe, people already talk about us and rumors are out there-- about us being together regardless on how hard we try to make it seem we're just friends and nothing more. Even Kade and Summer brought up today that we seemed into each other. It's either stop caring and continuing our relationship, not letting people have such a weight on us, or we break it off." Val sniffles as she wipes her tears. 

"I'm going give you sometime to cool off, you're not thinking clearly." Joe shakes his head. 

"You do whatever you want, I already made up my mind." Val shakes her head heading back into the bathroom to change. As soon as that door closed the tears flowed out like a river and her heart felt like it was being ripped out of her chest.

*************************************************

"So... it might be over just like that?" Vals friend Mateo asks as they sit in her Condo talking with all her friends over some drinks and food.

"I guess so. It's been 8 days and we haven't even sent a text to each other. He also had his event for his foundation, didn't invite me or even texted me to tell me if they met their goal or not. It's like I don't exist." Val informs them as she sips her mojito Karina had made for her with her bartending skills she learned in college. 

"He's being ridiculous, maybe it's better if you two just moved on." Karina shakes her head.

"I feel stupid for wasting my time like this. I committed to him like an idiot, he could of been with other women this whole time and that's why he didn't claim me." Val sighs. 

"You shouldn't say that! Like yeah it sucked that he would rather break up than to just let people know you guys are together but you guys still had your fun and I genuinely think he loves you, he's just a man who is stupid. Some relationships aren't meant to be forever." Genesis says trying to make her best friend feel better. 

"Hey easy with the he just a stupid man...I mean he is but nicer language please." Mateo says being the only guy here. Making everyone laugh, he gets boo'd and he rolls his eyes at the girls.

"That being said...why don't we plan a night out? It's been such a long time since we've gone out to a club...a gay club specifically." Karina smirks and Val groans not wanting to go out anytime soon. 

"I am soooo down." Genesis agrees with a big smile planted on her face. 

"I'll go...but only for Val. You know how much I get hit on in those clubs." Mateo says before it gets silent and everyone busts out laughing. 

"Mat, you got hit on ONCE by the drunkest man in the club that night, be serious." Genesis laughs making Mateo roll his eyes.

"You know I don't go out like that anymore." Val scrunches her faces not really feeling the idea. 

"Which is all the reason for us to go out! Let's do Saturday, that way we can recover on Sunday by ordering brunch and watching Twilight." Genesis says. 

"You sure you're not gay? Cause that was the gayest thing you've ever said." Karina teases Genesis making everyone laugh. Genesis flicking her off.

"So this Saturday, we're going out, rocking out with our tits and dicks out." Genesis claps making Val sigh. She knew she wasn't going to get out of going to this. 

"Get you sluttiest outfit out girly." Karina smiles at Val with a wink.

*************************************

"I feel so over exposed, I shouldn't have worn this." Val shakes her head as she walks with everyone. Val was dressed in a shimmery short pink dress and strappy heels which she had been second guessing the entire night.

"No way! You look hot as shit, this dress was made for you. You look like Bratz and Barbie fucked and had you as their love child." Genesis reassures as everyone stood in line at the club. The week had past by and Val still hadn't heard a word from Joe. It seemed he wasn't even in Ohio but instead in Miami for a UFC fight with his teammates and friends which Val only knew because a few of them posted pictures of them all at south beach. Val hated the feeling that gave her, the sick feeling that he could be potentially hooking up with the most gorgeous models out there. She couldn't help but feel like this is maybe what he wanted. Maybe Joe was too much of a coward to call things off himself so he knew Val could only take so much about their secret relationship and was happy she basically called it off first. 

"Helllloo earth to Valeria Rios!" Karina snaps Valeria out of her thoughts. 

"Huh? Sorry." She awkwardly chuckles. 

"Stop thinking about him and get your ID out cause we're about to shake some ass in there." Genesis says smacking Vals buttcheck making everyone woop, even people who were in line behind the group. 

Everyone gets checked by security and makes their way into the loud and packed club. A mix of Slut Pop by Kim Petras blared though the club and you all went directly to the bar. Ordering a round of Jager shots and your usual drinks along with it. 

"Seems busier than usual in here." Mateo says to Val over the loud music and Val nods in agreement. Everyone gets all their shots first and Karina does a toast. 

"Here is too Women, Lesbianism and Mateo potentially kissing a man tonight again if we get him drunk enoughhhh!!!" Karina hollers as they clink shot glasses. 

"Fuck off." Mateo laughs before they all throw back the shot. We grab our drinks, leaving our tabs open and head to the dance floor. They all dance with each other close to everyone else in the club, Genesis and Kelly taking pictures of all of them and posting them on their story. It got eventually go to a point in the night where everyone had lost track of the amount of drinks they were consuming and had moved to an area to sit around at. 

"Oh shit...look who's coming!" Mateo slurs in Vals ear and she turns to see none other  than Summer walking over to her in the dress she had sold her and some insane black stiletto heels and looking like a perfect doll. Val didn't even try to not check her out, it was clear the liquor was really starting to hit her.

"Hey you...didn't expect to run into you here tonight." Summer smirks hugging Val and waving to the rest of the group who were all surprised to see her here. 

"The gang dragged me out tonight, I see you're wearing the dress you picked out at the store." Val smirks at Summer. 

"Sure am, but look at you. You look like a million bucks, how you're still single is crazy to me." Summer flirts. 

"Someone has caught my eye, so let's see." Val says giving her a sly smile, Summer smirking back before taking a sip of her drink.

"Are you here alone?" Val asks her. 

"I was actually here with a coworker buuut he found himself a toy for the night, so now I'm solo." She nods making Val chuckle. 

"You can hang with us. The more the merrier. " Val smiles. 

"Cool! I'll get us another round, Vodka Soda?" She asks looking at Vals almost finished drink and she nods before Summer makes her way to the nearest bar. 

"Aw shiiiit!!" Karina grins at Val. 

"This night just got sooo interesting." Genesis says loudly over the music. 

Val rolls her eyes at her friends and finishes her drink leaving it at the coffee table in the section of the club they were now in. Summer soon enough comes back with drinks for her and Val. Val thanking her as she takes a generous sip of the vodka soda which hit her differently than the other ones she was drinking tonight but she wasn't complaining. She was sure Summer got her a double which she always did in college when they had a night out. Everyone keeps dancing and having a good time then suddenly I'm a Slave 4 U by Britney Spears started playing and Summer immediately made eye contact with Val and gently pushed her on the leather couch to which she then started dancing for Val. Summer clearly not caring about those around her as she moved her hips to the seductive beat of the song. Val also being to inebriated to see anything wrong with this right now, she sat enjoying her old college flame being a complete flirt and basically giving her a lap dance in a club filled with people, eyeing every movement made by Summer and admiring her body getting hypnotized. Being in this trance, she hadn't realized some of her friends recording this moment to post on their stories for fun which would probably bite Valeria in the ass later. Both of them completely oblivious of that, Summer kept moving her body to the music finishing up with her straddling Val with a giant seductive smirk on her face. Summer then grabs Valeria's hands and put them on her hips to hold her in place, popping the cherry from her fruity little drink, in her mouth. Summer then leans in letting her long hair cascade over both her and Valeria's faces, lips softly connecting and Val taking half a bite of the cherry she held in between her teeth. Both of them smirking at each other with eyes full of lust as they pulled bac from one another as they chewed on the sweet fruit and Summer sat on Valeria's lap.

A/N: So...how did we feel about this chapter? Also let me know how spicy y'all want the Summer & Val or Val & Joe smut to be, I won't hold back 😏

[thatoneterrariaplayers-vault]

Dangerous moons - Chapter 2 - Mirror Mirror on the Wall

Evelyn lives in an apartment located in an isolated sector of the city, every turn is cramped and dirty, more than the usual filth of the busier areas. Despite this there is an odd sense of serenity, the quiet morning hours, absent of the usual crime and desperation. Situated near the underside of a hover highway, above my attention is brought to the whirr of the vehicles belonging to the richer few of the planet, those able to thrive amongst the poor they exploit. Even at these late times of days the work above never stops. Evelyn grabs my hand and jerks my arm guiding me down a narrow alleyway. Nested deep into the labyrinth of concrete and steel we arrive at the base of a small building no more than four stories high.  She struggles to open the gate, its creaks open, rust on its hinges complaining at being disturbed. “It ain’t much.” She says going up a floor, “but its where I’m calling home for now.” Shyly she opens the door revealing her humble but messy abode. Walking in the smell of booze stains the living room, against the wall lies a tattered couch. A couple bowls and plates lie abandoned and forgotten on the side table. 

“As you can see, being a bounty hunter does not leave me too much time to clean up.” she says smugly, “Do you have a change of clothes or should I lend you some?” “Oh. I don’t have any clothes except whats on my back. Please if it’s not much trouble.”, I respond embarrassment flushing across my face. “Alright Violet, go freshen up and I’ll leave your clothes right out here on the couch and neaten up a bit.”

A shower sounds beyond heavenly right now, The last time I had one was in that damned hotel owned by that Arnold creep.  That was three weeks ago, I did not think I would make it this far in all honesty.The bathroom is a small room having the basic amenities any bathroom should have. The tiles have a light yellow tone to them matching to that of the porcelain throne. There is a mirror just above the sink that catches my attention instantly. Its shiny silver like frame draws me in like a thief. My eyes drift upwards onto the husk that is my reflection. My eyes have dark circles around them, my skin is paler than usual. I think I have had the same set of clothes on for longer than the three weeks I have been running. I finally draw back the old dusty coat I stole, removing it’s hood from my head first. God Violet, did you really let yourself fall into such levels of disrepair over the past couple weeks. My black hair is damaged due to not giving it the attention it deserves, wiry and matted caked in weeks worth of dirt and grime. My skin is cracked and chaffed. The coat falls below my shoulders and then I’m reminded of what they did to me. I wince at the sight of my arm and need to collect myself before my empty stomach retches at food it wished it had. Closing my eyes, shutting them tight to try forget the world exists temporarily but I’m only reminded further of what I’ve been through.  I hear their screams, as clear as day.

Smoke fills my lungs as my parents rush me through the hallway, people are crying in the background as the inferno grows, consuming everything within it. The few that make out are injured or dying. This is the route to underground passages, I remember it because we trained for this exact scenario, except this time it was for real. We reach the extraction point, a ladder leading up to the surface. A far ways away from the centre of the city. My father calls to get my attention, “Violet, my sweet girl.” “Yes dad?” He chokes back tears, embracing me in a hug, a hug so warm I’d remember it for the future to come. Dad was not the one to express his emotions like this. “Be strong for mom please.”, his tears audible at this point. “Are you not coming with us?” I ask in disbelief. “No. There are others who need my help. Take this.”, he hands me a scabbard containing a light but deadly blade, “Just like we practiced, but now it determines your future and not your dinner.” I bite back my tears, I was fifteen at the time and didn’t know this would be the last time I would ever see him. With tears in his eyes, I remember how his voice quivered saying for one last time, “I love you Violet, always remember that.”  Another explosion goes off deeper in the tunnel.  “Go now! Leave and get to safety!”

I remember grabbing on his arm, going in for one last hug, feeling the callouses on his loving hands wishing he could stay with me and mom. The others grabbed me prying me away from his embrace forever as he rushed back to attend to those in need.  “You are their sword now. One of the many who will save us one day.” was the last thing he told me before he sealed himself off from our side of the tunnel, not realising that he bought us time. The next couple hours would be a blur to me, I remember vaguely how the city had erupted into chaos that day, the way people scrambled for their lives, the buildings burning away releasing the embers of shattered dreams into the air. The occasional explosion brought me back to reality, albeit temporary. I was dragged from neighbourhood to neighbourhood, hearing the cries of people I would never know in this lifetime. My parents told me that this would happen one day and that all we can do to prepare is to be prepared to run away.  “This planet and its government is owned by people that could just snap us out of existence, the fact they have allowed to us to live here so long even in poverty is a miracle.”, is what my teacher told my class. “We are effectively on borrowed time, that is why these drills are so important for our futures.”  All the adults were extremely blunt about what could happen, even the fact that many of us would pass in the raid. The Syndicate, the dogs who were responsible for this just wanted to play with their food, they let us form communities and bonds and then treated our extinction as a hunting sport.  My people were known for their connection to the higher beings of the universe, the ability to make contact and even harness the primordial energy of the stars but when we needed them most, the celestial voices fell silent and we would suffer from their negligence. 

If I could go back into time to do anything I would at least try save my mother, maybe I wouldn’t have ended up on the run from those Syndicate bastards. The memories don’t seem to stop rushing as I’m reminded again how my own incompetence would cost me the last bastion of hope I had. As clear as day. The train station we chose to pass through would take us quicker to the meet up point our family decided upon. It is here we would be intercepted by a group of raiders. I was the first to notice but i froze up when I needed to say something. Without warning. Without hesitation. Without empathy or remorse. They opened fire upon our small escape group. We scrambled for what cover we could find but it was too late to already, hearing the thuds of their bodies I hid behind a cargo cart. The blade drawn and ready, my body tense and hurt. My mother ran out from behind a crate but they were quicker, I watched her body slam against the cold floor. Senses awakening I was one with my body and mind, my blade burned red with the fires of rage and Selion the aspect of flame, the first two did not see me coming, blade in my left hand I rushed the closest who had his back turned delivering a deep gash into his throat, his friend was soon to follow as I force the blade through his back guiding inti deep into his heart. I picked up the pistol, being way heavier than anything I was used to. Its designer made a precise weapon now used for barbaric pointless killing.  I don’t remember how many i took down that day, it was enough to get the attention of someone important though, general Maine, one of the orchestrators of this death parade. He was a large burly and stern man. His beard was neatly groomed and trimmed to perfection with jet black hair neatly combed. His face and body were filled with the scars of battles long gone, forming white neat white marks. I was hidden from his sight but he could sense my presence. “You are the troublemaker I suppose?”, Maine asked. “What’s it to you? Going to kill me like the rest of my people? No ceremony or dignified funeral?  treating us all like a stray dog who is only a nuisance”, was my reply.   “Nothing of the sort, not if you behave anyways, now put down those toys of yours and come talk to me. Face to face.”, Main said. “Over my dead fucking body!” “So you want to play girl? I’ll show you how they treat brats like you in the army.” The train station was littered with corpses, the hopes and ambitions of those dead are long gone, seeped into the dusty ground below. I would make sure to fight for those now lost dreams, embody those dreams of the people around me, ensuring that they do not die unheard and unfulfilled.  Positioned on top of a cart I would make the first move, trying to get the jump onto the general, blade poised and ready to strike vitals. I did not expect him to react so fast that he would bat at me with an electric baton so hard in the ribs that I would be sent into the very same cart I leapt from. The fight was over before it begun, the blade I held clattered against the floor and away from my hands. “What have we learnt?” Maine Asked. He then approached me and grabbed me by the front of my jacket lifting a needle like device near my forehead, it made a few sounds before prodding my forehead. “Selion’s blessing hey? You will do just fine.” Maine remarked. That was when I blacked out.

Slowly I came to my senses again in the bathroom of Evelyn. The past is behind me now, no sense in getting cut by its pains again. I look towards the mirror again, my cybernetic arm lie idly by my side, a constant reminder of their mark on me. The other hand, wiping my puffy eyes. The shower water massages my back, soothing my disturbed mind and wiping off the weeks worth of grime and dirt on me. I get out to dry myself when I realise that my supposed change of clothes is on the outside in the living room. Wrapping myself in the towel I unlock the bathroom door.

Evelyn glances a look in my direction. “Hey there Vi-” her words stop as she chokes on her tongue. I notice her cheeks go rose red. “What’s wrong?”, I ask.  “You, uh, you’re, umm, shoot what was I going to say, you’re. Legs! Yes you’re legs are wonderful.”, she shyly comments. It was at that moment I realised that I am in fact wrapped in a towel and standing in someone who is basically a stranger’s living room. My cheeks go red too.  “Why are you still looking you perv!”, I shout back, to embarrassed to admit that I was entirely at fault. “You didn’t have to come walking out covered in the bare minimum then!” Grabbing the clothes lying peacefully in a rush, I retreat back to the bathroom with my dignity long dead. Once my face stopped being beet red I walked out again. “Sorry about that.” “No need, looks like you enjoyed that shower though, you were in there for ages,”, Evelyn said. “Oh, yeah. Thanks again for letting me stay here.” We both stare around the room awkwardly before she interrupts the silence, “I figured you may be hungry, you know being broke, so I made something warm.” She hands me a bowl of steaming soup, bits of vegetables and meat bob on its surface, the smell of the broth reminds me of a better time, growing up in my family home during the harsh and cold winters.  “Thanks. It looks good too.” my cheeks go red again, is this what was taken from me all those years ago? The serenity of simple pleasures. It was all taken from me suddenly and I took it for granted back then. We eat in silence, enjoying what probably was a frozen soup but it is also the best meal I have had in years because it means the running can finally stop and I can start my life again. After some time she prepared a bed for me on the couch, despite prior experiences this too was the most comfortable bed I’ve slept in for ages.

[tinyinvadr]

The next chapter is here!

TW: Abandonment

Borrowed Family

Chapter 4

The coast was clear, not a human in sight. I crept along the wall until I found the secret entrance into our home. Mom was gonna be so happy to see me! She and Dad would be so proud that I made it back by myself.

Well, okay, Dib helped, but they didn’t have to KNOW that!

I walked through the tunnel leading to the living room, and I could hear voices in the distance. It sounded like Dad was already home. He must’ve been so worried that he couldn’t find me.

As I got closer, I was able to hear what they were saying.

“It sure is quiet without Rosie here.” Mom said.

“Yes, much quieter. Now we don’t have to worry about being discovered.”

I stopped in my tracks. What did Dad mean by that?

“It really is a shame, isn’t it? I tried so many times, but that kid just doesn’t listen. I hate that we had to do this, but we’ve had too many close calls. We can’t afford to keep a kid with a behavior problem, it could cost all of us our lives.”

Oh… That’s what he meant.

Dad told me many times before that borrowers don’t keep problem children. I always thought that was an empty threat, and he wouldn’t REALLY get rid of me, but…

All I could do in that moment was sit down, curling in on myself and crying. They tried to ditch me. Dad took me to that house so he could leave me there and never come back. He didn’t even seem to care what happened to me, either. I could’ve died, and it wouldn’t have mattered.

These awful thoughts kept flowing through my head, and I just wanted to throw the biggest tantrum ever. I wanted them to know how much they hurt me, and I wanted them to feel horrible about it.

With all my strength, I gave the support beam behind me a swift kick, making it shake a little. I heard my Mom let out a startled yell.

“You’re being too loud.” I muttered under my breath.

I wanted to kick the beam again, but my eyes trailed up to something moving above my head. Apparently, there was a spider living at the top of that beam, and I disturbed it.

The creature slowly descended, and I froze up in terror. I never liked those things.

“H-Hi! Sorry if I bothered you. You can go back up, now!”

The spider kept climbing down its own thread, with no intention of stopping. It was getting closer and closer, and I started feeling itchy chills all over.

Maybe I was a problem child.

Finally getting the sense to run, I darted down the tunnel, stopping at the exit that led out into the humans’ house to catch my breath. I couldn’t stay here. My parents didn’t want me, and I couldn’t take care of myself. I was doomed.

The only thing I could think of to do was go back to Dib, but I didn’t want to put that burden on him. He was a kid, just like me. Still, I really didn’t have any other choice. I’d just have to hope he still wanted me around.

So, I left the walls that night for the last time and never looked back.

I left that house and ran across the lawn, the electric field in front of Dib’s house guiding me as it cast a blue glow on the grass.

When I crawled under the door, I didn’t see anyone, and my heart sank. Dib had to have gone back upstairs. I was almost about to give up all hope, but then, I heard footsteps coming from the kitchen.

I watched and waited, and sure enough, it was Dib. Without thinking, I ran right towards him. He didn’t seem to notice me, so I grabbed onto the bottom of his long black coat and tugged on it.

He stopped and looked down, seeing me standing right by his foot.

“Recap? What are you doing back here? I thought you went home.”

At that, I started crying again. That place wasn’t my home anymore. I don’t think it ever was.

“Whoa, okay, I don’t know what’s going on, but let’s get you somewhere safe first. I could’ve stepped on you.”

He knelt down, offering his hand again, and I climbed on. This time, he held me cradled against his chest, with his other hand guarding me.

I buried my face in his shirt as he carried me upstairs, still crying my eyes out. He didn’t say a word until we got to his room, and he closed the door behind us. As I felt him try to move me away from his chest, I clung to his shirt. I… wasn’t ready to let go yet.

“O-Okay, you can stay there. Do you wanna tell me what happened?”

It was hard to get the words out through my sobs, but I had to say something. “Dib… c-can I stay with you for a while?”

“Of course, but… why do you need to stay here?”

I just kept crying. How could I even explain something so horrible?

“Y-You know how my Dad told me to wait for him in this house? Well… it turns out, he kind of… lied to me. H-He brought me here so he could… leave me and never come back.”

At that, Dib suddenly smushed me against his chest, holding me so tight but still being careful not to hurt me. He started to gently run his finger across the back of my head, taking slow, deep breaths. It was like he knew how much pain I was in, and was doing everything in his power to bring me comfort. I honestly didn’t expect this. I already knew he was harmless, but I wasn’t sure he would even know what to do in this situation.

“Recap… I’m so sorry… you can stay as long as you need to, okay?”

I gave him a little nod as he continued rubbing my head.

“We’re gonna figure this out. I hate that you have to go through this, but I’ll do what I can to help you. Man… if I had known what was going on sooner…”

He trailed off, at a loss for words. That was okay, though. I was already under so much stress from what happened that I didn’t want to think about it anymore. So, I shifted all of my focus onto how warm and calming it was to be held by Dib. I was so nervous the first couple times, but in this moment, I felt strangely safe.

I stopped crying after a while, but neither of us made any move to separate. Of course, I was perfectly fine with that. I could feel my eyelids getting heavy, and I let out a yawn.

“Alright, let’s get you to bed. Are you good with sleeping on my coat again? I’ll try to find something more like an actual bed for you tomorrow, but I can’t think of anything else right now.”

I yawned again. “Yeah, the coat’s fine.”

So, Dib set me down on the desk, and folded up his coat like he did the night before.

“We can talk more in the morning. I’ll be home all day tomorrow since it’s the weekend. Until then, you should definitely get some sleep. Let me know if you need anything else. I’m a really light sleeper, so I should wake up if you drop something off the desk again.”

With that in mind, I climbed onto the coat-bed, and immediately flopped down onto my back. I was unbelievably tired.

Dib climbed into his own bed, and before I went to sleep, I looked over at him and smiled.

“Thanks, Dib.”

[umbralsound-xiv]

I cannot imagine how she is feeling. To learn that her Mother yet lives, after so long apart. She scarcely spoke a word on our walk back to the apartment.

We will visit again before we return for the West, she tells me. For a kinder, more pleasant conversation.

...Perhaps i will find a gift for the girl, in turn...

Eir Fellfrost opens the door to the apartment with a gentle push, Sayuri's hand tightly in his other as he lead her through the door. No sooner was it closed and latched behind them does he turn and slowly wind his arms around her shoulders. "...How... How are you feeling?" He asks, head tilted down to observe her, concern writ plain on his features.

Sayuri Aoki had gone in silence after delivering the news to Eir, struggling to process what he had been told the entire way back to their room. She leaned against him as his arms draped around her, a deep exhale leaving her. ".. I.. don't know." She mumbled, her gaze moving up to his. ".. It's.. such a mixture of things.."

Eir Fellfrost: "...You have no reason to distrust him. I know this much." A hand traces through her hair, gently brushing it from her features. "...I can imagine it will take time to process. You must have many questions..."

Sayuri Aoki: ".. No. He's.. not that kind of person.." She shook her head lightly - not disturbing the brushing motion. "He would not spread lies of a person he respected, even if it was to harm someone he disliked.. Which to my knowledge, he never truly did dislike anyone enough for such a thing." She raised her arms to coil them around his waist, brows furrowed. ".. I do. I have so many questions I can't.. form a single one.."

Eir Fellfrost: "...Take time. We have plenty of it... I cannot imagine the storm your thoughts are travelling through. But i am here, to weather it with you." A comforting smile is offered to her, in a hopes it would settle her somewhat. "...We will make time to visit before we depart for the West... If... This is what you wish for? I am assuming so."

Sayuri Aoki's concern glued features ease up at his smile, her head leaning forwards to press against his chest gently in return. ".. I couldn't leave without seeing her.. I'd never forgive myself."

Eir Fellfrost dips his head to press his lips to her crown. "...I think it would bring you ease. I... Will gladly accompany you, should... You wish me to."

Eir Fellfrost: "I do not know if this was something that... You wished to do alone."

...I did not wish to intrude on a sensitive moment. Surely there were things she would speak of that she might not wish me to hear. Painful things. Difficult memories. And... So many questions.

...But of course, i would be there if she wished.

Sayuri Aoki: ".. I-.."

Sayuri Aoki: ".. No."

Sayuri Aoki: ".. I need you with me."

Sayuri Aoki raised her hands to cup his cheeks, gently brushing her thumbs along them. ".. I don't think.. I can do it on my own.."

Eir Fellfrost: "...Then i will be here. With you. Always." He smiles, even if worry tugs at his brow. "...I... Will admit i am a little nervous..."

Sayuri Aoki eased further, a weak chuckle leaving her. ".. I.. am no calmer."

Eir Fellfrost: "My hesitation pales in comparison to yours, likely. You have much to discuss. I... I am simply just..." He gives a half shrug of his shoulders, an arm lacing around her own to move back to sit somewhere a little more comfortable. "...I have never met the parents of anyone close to me."

Sayuri Aoki scooted herself into his side as they found an area to sit, squinting at him with her ears pinning back a touch. "You are the person I love." She gave a small pout, leaning her head over to settle it against his shoulder. ".. Neither have I."

Eir Fellfrost tucks his arm around her back, a fleeting frown in response. "Well, i regret to inform you that is unlikely to change. I would not know my parents if they stood before me. I never met my father, and i have long forgotten the face of my mother." He considers a little longer, gaze slowly turning to her despite their close embrace. "...What... Is she like?"

Eir Fellfrost: "I remember some. From the drawing."

Sayuri Aoki: "... Well, hopefully, you'll never meet X'aoki or X'thynira either, so I can live with that." She huffed, gaze moving to meet his. ".. She's very kind, gentle.. Patient.."

Eir Fellfrost nods faintly, as though committing those words to memory. "...And... Should i bring anything on the sun i am to meet her? Is... There anything i should do? Or... Otherwise?"

Sayuri Aoki makes a straight face at you.

Sayuri Aoki: ".. Just.. be yourself."

You express your worry with Sayuri Aoki.

Eir Fellfrost: "...Are... You sure?"

...I should make an effort to speak, at the very least. I would not want her thinking i was disinterested, or standoffish. But... In such a situation, i know words are unlikely to come to me...

Sayuri Aoki: ".. Why wouldn't I be?"

Eir Fellfrost: "...I am not... The best with people. I am... Shy. And reserved, and am not often so good with conversation with those i do not know..."

Sayuri Aoki: "... Eir."

Sayuri Aoki: "... How do you think I was, when Yasu first met me?"

Eir Fellfrost: "...I do not know. You... Were a child, yes? And one who had newly left a most horrific circumstance. Quiet, i would assume, at the very least of it."

Sayuri Aoki: ".. Quiet, scared, hostile. I tore holes in partitions because I woke up to the door shut, every little sound made me panic.." She reached a hand towards his, seeking to gently grasp it and intertwine their fingers. ".. Despite all that, I received nothing but kindness from her."

Eir Fellfrost takes the hand and slowly curls his fingers around her own, brushing over it softly with his thumb. "...You were afraid. I am glad she was patient." The tale seems to put him at some sort of ease. "...I hope she does not take my quiet as offense. You know well that i am..."

Eir Fellfrost: "...Not so good with words."

Sayuri Aoki: "She won't, Eir." She reassured, offering a small smile. ".. She did not get angry often, she knows that sometimes people are just.. quiet."

You smile weakly at Sayuri Aoki.

Eir Fellfrost: "...I do not... Mean to be."

Sayuri Aoki: ".. I can be pretty quiet, too. I don't judge you for it."

Eir Fellfrost: "I... Know. And it is appreciated. It is." His head turns, to kiss gently at her cheek. "...I always wished i was better at it. That i could talk more, that i could find proper words for many different things, rather than having the words slip through my fingers and remain as a muddle in my thoughts."

Sayuri Aoki's ears wiggled slightly at the cheek kiss, a small smile settling on her lips. ".. Well.. I, for one, am happy for your company.. Word-filled, or silence-filled."

...I wish i could find the words. So many i could say, and none that would ever come close to what i wished to say.

I read so many books, and yet, it has never seemed to help.

Why? Why can i not just...

Eir Fellfrost merely glances to her, then. His silver eyes settle on her own, as the passing glance turns into a stare, as he slowly parts his lips to talk, and closes them all in the same moment. He even looks sad for a moment, as though some thing lodged deep in his being had smothered him in a muted turmoil he refused to speak of. He instead wordlessly moves in for a kiss, approaching slowly before meeting his lips with her own, refusing to draw back until she had.

Sayuri Aoki lowered an ear at the sight, her features softening and head nudging against his shoulder firmly. She lift it up as he leaned in, gently pressing her lips against his as he seeks them out - having no intentions to move away from it anytime soon. In fact, she scoots herself closer.

Eir Fellfrost curls an arm around her back to pull her closer as she moved; a waver of breath as her comforting chill settled against him before closing the kiss once more, a soft, warm and wanting gesture that saw his heart beat that bit faster at the culmination of it. He slowly draws back after many long moments, seperating the deepened kiss from her own with a faint, muted gasp... And lingers, wordless.

...Why can i not just tell her? Tell how much she means. How much i love her. How i want to...

...How much i wish to stay with her for the rest of her cycles. How every moment with her is precious, and... Why? Why can i not...

Why can i not find the words?

Sayuri Aoki was quite content to linger in the kiss, exhaling a deeper breath as it broke.  She leaned her head over to press her forehead against his gently. ".. I love you, Eir."

Eir Fellfrost: "...I love you too." He whispers; the hand that saught her own in the middle of it all tightening it's grasp. No further words opt to leave him, a long wavering exhale stealing them away before he kisses her again, much more briefly with a single peck to the lips.

Eir Fellfrost: "...Suppose i should spend some time tomorrow practising. My performance is... Soon."

Eir Fellfrost: "...They took my measurements. I assume they will fit me with clothing, but they did not mention what..."

...I am to perform soon. There is no worry for what i will do; the routine is in my thoughts, and i have practised and danced many a time before this. The stage and the crowd are different, but the principle is the same.

The coin i will gain for such a performance is more than i have ever made in a single evening in my entire lifetime.

...I already know what i will spend it on.

Sayuri Aoki gently grasped at his hand, exhaling a content sigh before leaning in to meet his lips with another kiss, a soft smile lingering. "Mm..? I'm excited for your performance."

Eir Fellfrost: "...Just... Do remember that the man on stage, and the man that sits beside you now, are... Not wholly the same person."

Sayuri Aoki: ".. It's the man I love."

Sayuri Aoki pouted.

You smile weakly at Sayuri Aoki.

Eir Fellfrost: "Yes, well, the man on stage is confidence incarnate who has all faith in his abilities in everything that is expected of him."

Eir Fellfrost: "And on the stage is where it remains, long after i have departed it."

Sayuri Aoki: ".. Well. Confidence or no.."

Sayuri Aoki raises a hand, gently prodding at his jaw.

Sayuri Aoki: ".. Same person."

Sayuri Aoki: "Who I love."

Eir Fellfrost turns his head to softly bite Sayuri's finger; not with any kind of pressure, more for a playful reprimand for prodding him. He draws back and kisses her fingertip, giving a quick grin. "...Well, do not expect that confidence to translate into other situations. It will not."

Eir Fellfrost: "...For the most part."

...I pray that it visits me when the time comes. When i find the words. When i find a place suiting. When the time is right...

I will need it, then.

[thenotebookscribbler]

4th of July.

(a short story)

The sound of fireworks from above my roof somehow fastened my beats. I've always been a bit afraid of all these noise, but it was 4th of July, and I could not tell them to stop. I mean, it would be very petty.

A rocket whizzed past my window, and the sparks seemed to land on the pane. I took a deep breath and dared to look outside. It was beautiful, no lie, the sky adorned with various streaks of light, the happiness, but it was overwhelming. My nephew always thought that I had probably encountered a monster who ate kids who disturbed it with fireworks, and very graciously would hold my hand and tell me that I don't have to be afraid.

"Gracias, El," I would say, each year the same tradition. "But why if you are disturbing the monster too?"

This would make him think, but the immediate call from his Papa would disrupt the only thought process that indulges his brain in some sort of a brain activity. Like mother like son I guess.

I had a great relationship with my sister, of course, but somewhere, it was scarred. She was a tad jealous of me, but she being a good person, she did not let that ruin our relation because God knows I have no one else.

And now again, it's that time of the day when El would run down the stairs to ask me if I am okay, and then would answer himself that I was, in fact okay because he was with me. I never really found the heart to say that the monsters were actually scarier than he thought.

And as usual, on the call of his Papa, he ran up again, only to hear his mother yelling, "No running on the stairs El! How many times do I have to tell you?"

Claire barely came down at these times. She always feared that El might peek a bit too down and he might slip off, and that's it.

"Hey, you," she said, taking a bottle of sparkling water out of the fridge and chugging it. The door to the fridge closed with a thump.

"Want some?" she said, tilting the bottle towards me and plopping on the couch next to me. I shook my head no.

"Will El not fall over now?" I ask her, a small grin on my face. She laughed. "Have you seen how tall he has gotten in the past few months? No way he's gonna fall over. He has to peep less."

"Smartass," I giggled.

Claire was really the only one I had. We lost our parents to, well, some unfortunate circumstances. It's been Claire and me ever since. I was in fifth grade, she was in ninth. But when she fell in love with Dalton, this senior guy she met at a frat party in her college, she decided to marry him right after graduation. She was never really the ambitious type.

"Are you okay?" she asks me, as she pushes the hair out of my face. I sigh and lean onto her, as she pulls me in.

As soon as I was about to say something, a cracker bursted really close. Maybe near the window. And that's when it happened.

I wasn't able to breathe. The smoke was choking, and I had slumped down the couch on the ground, my body writhing, like I was having a seizure. Faint screams of "Dalton! El! Come down!" was heard, until it all went black.

A blurred vision swimming into view. A very blurred hallway, and blurred mirror, where I looked at a blurred version of myself. Why was everything so blurry? Then I realized that my image on the mirror was of a much smaller version of me.

Oh no. It's going to happen again. I've passed out again.

I skip down the brightly lit corridor, calling out "Mama? Papa?" as I look for them in every room. It's the 4th of July, they're going to miss the fireworks!

I stop when I see boots in view. We never wear shoes in our house.

A part of my brain screams. STOP THIS STOP THIS STOP THIS. I feel tears streaking my face, but this young me is just so adamant. She won't budge. Won't stop until she sees the last to everything.

I walk a little closer to the room, and hear the unmistakable whimper of my Mother, as she sobs. Why is she sobbing?

Oh my god, I cry, as I madly try to stop it. I can't take it anymore. I don't want to see anymore. Why am I not waking up? Are they not doing chest compressions?

My father begs. It's in his voice.

"Keep one of us," he says, as his voice breaks. " We need to look after the children."

"Not my business," says the man with the boots.

NOOOOOO. My head screams, and I feel a pain ripping my chest apart, and I feel myself withering. It's so much worse than before.

I walk towards the room again. I hear two gun shots.

I was begging to myself. Please stop, don't let me finish this.

"Bastards can't pay a simple sum of money and requests us to keep them alive." The gun clicked. I was little, and they were huge, so I very luckily escaped their gaze.

I feel my heart breaking as I see their blood smeared visages, a hole in the centre of their heads, eyes open, looking at me. But they weren't really looking at me. It was unfocused.

Claire was upstairs. She thought the loud sound was a cracker. Well, until I screamed.

__

They were opening up the tubes and all from her body. Claire was howling on Dalton's chest, clutching at El, who looked devastated. His aunt just died. His favourite aunt.

She was having a panic attack, apparently. One she has very often. She was trying to stop it. And apparently, in doing so, the strain in her brain was huge, which lead to a cerebral attack. Her heart was working too hard, too.

"She was seeing them," Claire cried. "Mamacita and Papa. Like always."

"Well, isn't it nice that auntie will see Mamacita and Papa for real now?" El sobbed, and wiped his mother's face.

Maybe it really was.